associated with significant other responses.
Journal: J Behav Med. 2009 Nov 14. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Romano JM, Jensen MP, Schmaling KB, Hops H, Buchwald DS.
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences,
University of Washington, Box 356560, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA,
<jromano@u.washington.edu>
NLM Citation: PMID: 19915971
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and unexplained chronic fatigue (CF)
are characterized by compromised functional status and physical
disability. Prior research on chronic pain has suggested that social
factors may contribute to disability.
This study examined the relationship between significant other
responses and patient outcomes in patients with unexplained CF.
Questionnaire data were collected from 117 patients on physical
function, fatigue, pain, illness behaviors and responses of
significant others to them, and depression. Ninety-four SOs reported
their perceptions of patient illness behavior and their responses.
Thirty-seven of these dyads also completed a series of household
activities while being videotaped. Dyadic interactions were coded and
analyzed.
Both reported and observed solicitous responses by the significant
other were associated with reported and observed patient illness
behavior. Negative responses to patient illness behavior by
significant others were associated with higher levels of patient
depressive symptoms.
The findings provide support for the role of operant behavioral
factors in the context of chronic fatigue. They also suggest that
further research on the relationship between dysfunction and
significant other responses in patients with CFS or CF appears
warranted and may have implications for treatment development.
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