Functioning with fibromyalgia: The role of psychological flexibility and general psychological acceptance

Abstract

ObjectivesFibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, mood disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Psychological flexibility (PF), particularly acceptance of pain, has been associated with the physical and psychological functioning (functional status) of chronic pain patients. Further investigation is required to assess the unique contribution of PF model components to functional status in people with fibromyalgia. This study investigated the role of both pain‐related PF and general acceptance of psychological experiences in a fibromyalgia sample after accounting for self‐efficacy beliefs, the use of traditional pain management strategies, and demographic variables.MethodsParticipants with fibromyalgia (n = 339; 95% female) were recruited primarily from fibromyalgia social media‐based support groups and support services. Participants completed an online questionnaire measuring PF components, self‐efficacy, traditional pain management strategies, and functional status.ResultsPain‐related PF, general psychological acceptance, and self‐efficacy were significantly related to functional status, with higher levels of these variables associated with higher functioning. Use of traditional pain management strategies was not significantly related to functional status. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis demonstrated pain‐related PF explained a statistically significant but small (2%) amount of variance in functional status over and above self‐efficacy, traditional pain management strategies, and demographic variables. General psychological acceptance explained a further significant 2% of unique variance in functional status.ConclusionsPain‐related PF and general psychological acceptance added benefit to functioning of individuals with fibromyalgia. Nevertheless, this additional benefit was small, suggesting other psychological variables such as self‐efficacy may be more clinically relevant to functioning with fibromyalgia.