Cognitive-affective assets and vulnerabilities: Two factors influencing adaptation to Fibromyalgia

Abstract

This study set to explore whether variables related to cognitive-affective assets would complement measures of psychological vulnerability for the prediction of physical functioning and pain tolerance in 138 women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Depression, anxiety, stress response and negative affect were defined a priori as measures of vulnerability, while pain self-efficacy, internality and positive affect were identified as assets. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the validity of the hypothesised two-factor structure in FMS. A structural equation model (SEM) revealed that the two factors were associated with different outcomes in FMS as predictors. Pain and associated symptoms appeared related to psychological vulnerabilities in FMS patients, whereas physical functioning and tolerance for pain were better predicted by assets. These results are discussed with reference to current theoretical models concerning the role of psychological factors in FMS, and intervention methods designed to improve quality of life and reduce pain in FMS patients.

Bifactor analysis and construct validity of the HADS: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study in fibromyalgia patients.

“…The PANAS is a 20-item self-report measure that includes two 10-item mood scales: one for positive affect (PA; i.e., the extent to which a person experiences pleasurable engagement with the environment) and one for negative affect (NA; i.e., the extent to which a person feels distressed, upset, guilty, and so on). Furlong, Zautra, Puente, López-López, and Valero (2010) reported an intemal consistency (a) of 0.87 for the PA scale and 0.85 for the NA scale in a sample of 130 Spanish FM patients recmited in a Spanish pain clinic. The PANAS adopts a dimensional approach to affective states.…”

Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia

“…Cognitive behavioral therapy is among the commonly used non-medical treatment of FM. Cognitive behavioral interventions are designed to improve the QoL and reduce pain in FM patients [88]. It seems to help FM patients improve their way of thinking and their coping strategy.…”

Gratitude mediates quality of life differences between fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls

“…From the lens of positive clinical psychology [10], certain qualities and traits can provide resilience to the challenges of living with chronic conditions such as FMS, and thus ameliorate the impact of FMS on quality of life. For example, positive affect has been identified as an asset for managing fibromyalgia [11], and trait hope, which is characterized by high levels of positive affect, is linked to lower levels of fatigue among fibromyalgia patients [12]. A growing evidence base indicates that gratitude, an orientation towards noticing and appreciating the positive in life [13], may be particularly beneficial for improving quality of life in clinical populations, including those with chronic health conditions.…”