Although there is evidence of a positive relationship between acceptance of pain and healthy adaptation to chronic pain, such research appears to be devoid of a guiding theoretical framework. The review paper aims to investigate how 'acceptance' fits with models of adaptation to chronic pain. Fourteen-studies were reviewed and categorised into four-sections in accordance with the models of adaptation they cited. Exploration of the underlying components of the models illuminated five-key unifying concepts or 'elements' that appear to be important for adaptation: goal-setting, attention to pain, coping strategies, identity and psychological flexibility. A unifying model is proposed and the findings of the review suggest that acceptance-basedin terventions such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Contextual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy would be beneficial in enabling healthy adaptation to chronic pain. Despite the growing evidence-base with regards to the effectiveness of acceptance-based interventionsf or chronic pain, previous research has focused on quantitative outcome measures. The processes that occur during such interventions, however, remain unknown. The research paper therefore qualitatively explores six-individual's experiences of an acccptance-based pain-management programme and the constituents they felt facilitated change. Findings highlighted the importance of pain-relevant social support, psychoeducation, self-identity, positive acceptance of pain and proactive coping strategies such as pacing activity and mindfulness. The discussion paper explores links between research findings and models of adaptation, the proposed model within the literature review, the contribution to clinical practice, and implications for future research. By unifying these components, a unique in-depth insight into people's experiences of the processes of chronic pain management has been gleened. Especially into the experiential accounts of people using acceptance-based painmanagement approaches, and highlights a need for further qualitative of pain-management interventions.