Cross-Sectional Study of Young Adults Diagnosed With Juvenile Fibromyalgia: Social Support and Its Impact on Functioning and Mood

Abstract

PurposeJuvenile-onset fibromyalgia (JFM) affects physical, social, and emotional functioning. Little is known about how social support and social interactions are impacted in the transition to young adulthood for patients diagnosed with JFM. MethodsYoung adults (Mage = 21.6) diagnosed with JFM during adolescence (N = 94) and matched healthy controls (N = 33) completed measures of social network size and diversity, perceived social support, physical functioning, and depressive symptoms as part of a cross-sectional survey study. ResultsNo difference in social network diversity was found, although JFM patients reported fewer total people within their social networks. JFM patients reported poorer emotional and tangible support and fewer positive social interactions than healthy controls. After controlling for condition and pain intensity, the level of perceived social support was a significant predictor of physical functioning and depressive symptoms, whereas social network size also contributed uniquely to physical functioning. ConclusionsGiven the developmental importance of social support in adolescence and young adulthood, interventions should include methods of improving social support into fibromyalgia management.