title: Psychological functioning in women with fibromyalgia: a grounded theory study.
abstract: The aim of this study was to elucidate psychological functioning and psychological processes in women with fibromyalgia. Twenty-one females with fibromyalgia (aged 26-72 years) were interviewed in-depth. The interviews were analysed in line with grounded theory. A core concept, "unprotected self," mirroring childhood conditions and adult psychological functioning, was identified. Intense activity or hypomanic helpfulness often was used as self-regulation in adult life. Later an increased exposure to mental load is accompanied by reduction of cognitive functioning and generalised pain. The phase of persistence of fibromyalgia is marked by reduction of cognitive functions, unprotected psychological functioning, and increased mental load as from crisis and somatic symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Pain Clinic of Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden. kerstin.wentz@psy.gu.se
authors.forename: Kerstin A H
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Wentz
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lindberg
authors.forename: Lillemor R-M
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Hallberg
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors; D016387:Women's Health