Coping with Fibromyalgia during the COVID-19 pandemic: adjustment and wellbeing

  • Alison Bacon (Creator)
  • Leah White (Creator)
  • Alyson Norman (Creator)

Dataset

Description

Abstract Objective: Individuals with pre-existing health conditions may be experiencing particular distress under Covid-19 pandemic-related lifestyle restrictions. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition where symptoms are known to be exacerbated by stress. The present study examined wellbeing, perceived symptom change and coping in individuals with and without FMS during pandemic-related social lockdown in the UK. Design: Participants with a diagnosis of FMS (N = 390) and a general public sample with no FMS (N = 151) completed questionnaires at three time points. Main Outcome Measures: BBC Wellbeing Scale, Cognitive-Emotional Regulation Questionnaire measure of coping, perception of extent to which symptoms have worsened or improved over time. Results: Contrary to expectations, FMS participants reported improved symptoms and wellbeing over the study period. Non-FMS participants experienced worsening health symptoms and no change in wellbeing. Coping strategies involving positive reappraisal, refocussing and planning were positively associated with wellbeing in the FMS group, Conclusion: The unpredictable symptom profile in FMS, and the regular readjustment to coping this necessitates, may support a form of resilience which has been adaptive during the pandemic. The results have implications for supporting people with FMS, and potentially other chronic conditions, especially at times of stress.
Date made available29 Dec 2020
PublisherZENODO

Data Monitor categories

  • CERQ
  • Coping
  • Covid-19
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Wellbeing

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