Background: Previous studies have reported that there is both objective and subjective evidence that individuals with Fibromyalgia (FM) suffer from memory problems (Landro et al 1997; Katz et al 2004; Munoz et al 2005). The current literature has not examined how individuals cope with these difficulties. Aims of the study: The three aims were to: 1) measure the perceptions of managing memory problems for a FM population; 2) examine their coping response/strategies to establish if the responses can be explained by Models of Stress, Coping and Adjustment (The SRM and Transactional Model of Stress and Coping). 3) To explore the relationships between memory problems, mood, employment, health and pain. Methods: A mixed methodology design was adopted, within an internet survey. 100 participants (91 female, 4 males and 5 preferred to not answer) with FM were recruited from two FM Charity Websites. The modal age of the sample was 51-55 years old. 61 % of participants were from 'other' countries and 38% from the UK. Eight subjective questions (with comments) and psychometric tests were employed (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Memory Aids Checklist and the Memory Complaint Questionnaire; and, demographic questions including employment). The questions were analysed using thematic analysis and inductive/deductive application of two theoretical models (Self Regulatory Model (Leventhal et al 2003) and Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (Lazarus et al 1984b). The data from the psychometric tests were analysed using SPSS (multiple regression and ANOVA). Results: Six themes emerged from the qualitative data, these were: "external memory aids"," impact upon daily life", "barriers that impact upon using strategies", "emotional well being", "other strategies and "denial of memory problems". The evidence from the themes implies that memory problems had a global impact upon a person's daily life: well being, home life, employment and coping behaviour. The SRM provided a framework for explaining the coping process. The Regression data proposed that depression significantly influenced perceptions of memory problems but not pain or anxiety. Conclusion: The outcome of this study suggests that both FM and memory problems impact upon well being by causing difficulties in the home and employment. The six themes suggest that memory problems can be managed by using external aids, family members/professionals and hobbies and interests. Recommendations from this research are that psycho-educational interventions would help to reduce memory problems and improve well being in this population.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:572883 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Harrison, Pascale |
| Publisher | University of the West of England, Bristol |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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