ORCID
- Alison M. Bacon: 0000-0003-4279-3814
- Alyson Norman: 0000-0002-4332-6049
Abstract
ObjectiveFibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition with symptoms known to be exacerbated by stress. Individuals with FMS may be experiencing particular distress under Covid-19 pandemic-related lifestyle restrictions. The present study examined wellbeing, perceived symptom change and coping in individuals with and without FMS during pandemic-related social lockdown in the UK.DesignParticipants 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 MeasuresBBC Wellbeing Scale, Cognitive-Emotional Regulation Questionnaire measure of coping, perception of extent to which symptoms have worsened or improved over time.ResultsContrary to expectations, FMS participants reported no worsening of symptoms and an increase in 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.ConclusionThe unpredictable symptom profile in FMS, and the regular readjustment 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.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2021-12-13
Publication Title
Psychology and Health: an international journal
ISSN
0887-0446
Acceptance Date
2021-11-28
Deposit Date
2021-11-29
Embargo Period
2021-12-18
Funding
There are no funding sources to declare.
First Page
1345
Last Page
1360
Recommended Citation
Bacon, A., White, L., & Norman, A. (2021) 'Coping with Fibromyalgia during the COVID-19 pandemic: adjustment and wellbeing', Psychology and Health: an international journal, , pp. 1345-1360. Available at: 10.1080/08870446.2021.2013484
