How do individuals with Fibromyalgia experience psychological therapy?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How do individuals with Fibromyalgia experience psychological therapy? A thematic analysis
IRAS ID
329359
Contact name
Sasha Haidon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Ethics and Governance, University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 9 days
Research summary
Current research into understanding Fibromyalgia (FMS) has highlighted the challenges faced by both clinicians and patients when finding effective treatments. The cause of FMS is unknown and there is no specific standalone guidance on treatment for FMS, so finding effective treatments is difficult. Many people with FMS experience significant psychological difficulties alongside physical symptoms that interact on one another, affecting treatment outcomes.
Psychological therapies have demonstrated positive impacts on both psychological and physical symptoms of the disorder, and improving quality of life, however, given the significant impact of physical symptoms of the illness, it can be difficult for individuals to understand the rationale for engaging with such therapies. Additionally, research into how psychological therapies improve symptoms is lacking, and so we do not fully understand how they are helpful.
This project aims to explore the experience of psychological therapy for those with FMS. This will be done by conducting one to one interviews with individuals who have a diagnosis of FMS and have engaged with a therapy in the past 6 months. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. It is hoped that this will help us to understand how individuals experience therapy in relation to their disorder, what aspects of therapy are helpful and why these aspects are helpful. It can help to inform how we can target support in the most helpful way. In terms of theoretical contribution, these findings can also identify which factors could be considered for further exploration in FMS research, and how such factors might relate to quality of life and symptom management. This could inform quantifiable research into FMS which could further our understanding of the disorder.REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0143
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion