The Self and Others in CFS/ME: Reinterpreting Research Evidence

Ward, Christopher D.; Horrocks, Matthew

Abstract

Chapter 7 provided interpersonal perspectives on CFS/ME without offering any theoretical commentary. This chapter considers how the meanings of CFS/ ME are developed between individuals and others. We begin with a critique of the cognitive-behavioural model of illness and suggest how it might better take account of connections between human relationships and illness. Using examples from Chapter 7 and elsewhere we then review research literature in terms of the following propositions: (1) The social implications of CFS/ME are fundamental to its personal meaning; (2) individuals (and also health professionals) interpret illness through a cultural lens; (3) meanings of CFS/ME are established within personal relationships; (4) interpretations of symptoms, severity of illness and family relationships influence one another; (5) ‘coping ’ is a social process, intimately related to meaning-making; and (6) meanings derived from present and past relationships are important vulnerability factors. Each of these gain support from available evidence although our interpretation sometimes requires a shift from a cognitivist to a discursive paradigm. We end with a discussion of gender.

Citation

Ward, C. D., & Horrocks, M. (2015). The Self and Others in CFS/ME: Reinterpreting Research Evidence. In Meanings of ME: Interpersonal and Social Dimensions of Chronic Fatigue (106-128). Palgrave Macmillan UK. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137467324_9

• Publication Date: 2015
• Deposit Date: Jun 29, 2021
• Pages: 106-128
• Book Title: Meanings of ME: Interpersonal and Social Dimensions of Chronic Fatigue
• Chapter Number: 8
• ISBN: 9781349691296
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137467324_9
• Keywords: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Anxious Depression
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5747313
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057%2F9781137467324_9