The role of spousal relationships in fibromyalgia patients’ quality of life, 2018, Huang et al

[Andy]

Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome that includes debilitating symptoms such as widespread pain and tenderness, fatigue, and poor physical functioning. Research has shown FM patients’ choice of coping style and relationship quality with their spouse can impact their mental quality of life (QoL), but no known study has examined the protective nature of relationship quality and coping behaviors on both patient physical and mental QoL in the context of chronic pain.

We examined 204 patients with FM on the (a) roles of coping styles and relationship quality on patient quality of life, and (b) moderating effect of relationship quality on the association between negative coping style and patient QoL. A series of multiple regressions found patients’ coping styles were not significantly associated with physical QoL, but were significantly associated with mental QoL. Patients’ relationship quality with their spouse was significantly associated with mental QoL, but not physical QoL and no significant interactions with negative coping style were found.

Our results emphasize the importance of coping styles and relationship quality between patients and their spouses in the context of chronic pain. Clinicians can incorporate the patient’s relationship as part of a more holistic approach to care and improving outcomes.

Paywalled at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13548506.2018.1444183?journalCode=cphm20

 

[Esther12]

First we had it claimed that negative relationships prompt functional symptoms as patients manifest their repressed pain physically.

Then it was claimed that 'positive' relationships prompt functional symptoms as caring attention enabled a dysfunctional adoption of the sick role.

Now it seems that relationships don't have much (any?) affect on symptoms or prompt 'negative' coping styles, but nice relationships are still nice.

Anyone know these researchers, and what their prior views may have been?

 

[Trish]

I can't get my head around this. Is it worth it?

They seem to have discovered the amazing fact (sarcasm) that people in happy relationships cope better mentally.

And that neither relationship nor coping style impact physical symptoms.

And yet they conclude that it's a good idea for therapists treating pain to stick their noses into a patient's relationships.

Huh? Did I read that right?