Couples’ illness representations in Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Couples’ illness representations in Fibromyalgia Syndrome, and its relation to health outcomes
IRAS ID
226462
Contact name
Caitlyn Box
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a health condition characterised by widespread pain, stiffness, and fatigue (Wolfe et al., 1990). The detrimental impact of its symptoms is well-documented, including upon activities of daily living, employment, and quality of life (Bennett et al., 2007). \nTheory, supported by extensive research in long-term conditions, suggests that people make sense of health conditions by forming particular beliefs about their condition (termed ‘illness representations’). These beliefs are associated with how they manage and cope (Common Sense Model; Leventhal et al, 1980). Research has demonstrated how specific illness representations can influence health outcomes for the individual, including in FMS (Glattacker et al., 2010). \nHowever, there is a growing body of research highlighting the importance of the partner in health outcomes (Helgeson & Zajdel, 2017). Whilst the Common Sense Model has historically looked at solely the individual’s experience, it has more recently been employed to also look at the role of partners’ beliefs. Research has suggested that greater congruence of couples’ illness representations is associated with increased physical functioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Heijmans et al., 1999), and myocardial infarction (Figueiras & Weinman, 2003). Greater congruence has also been associated with improved psychological adjustment (CFS, Heijmans et al., 1999; arthritis, Sterba et al., 2008), and changes in health-promoting behaviours (myocardial infarction; Weinman et al., 2000). \nDespite this burgeoning research, the application of CSM theory to FMS couples has not been explored as yet. We are also aiming to include the additional variable of communication, which has been considered “required” between couples to aid development of shared appraisals (Badr & Acitelli, 2017). \nIn summary, this research seeks to improve our understanding of the links between illness representations, communication, and illness outcomes in an FMS couples’ population. Evidence regarding associations could facilitate the development of effective couples’ interventions in clinical practice.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1298
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion