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Defensive coping styles in chronic fatigue syndrome
1Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT, London, UK. c.creswell@ucl.ac.uk
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|October 12, 2001
Summary
Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are more likely to use a Defensive High Anxious coping style. This suggests a link between CFS and defensive psychological mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- The cognitive-behavioral model of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) posits that rigid beliefs serve to protect individuals with low self-esteem.
- The Defensive High Anxious coping style is a potential mechanism within this model.
- This study is the first to examine the prevalence of this coping style in CFS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of the Defensive High Anxious coping style in individuals diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
- To compare the prevalence of this coping style between CFS patients and healthy/chronic illness volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-eight participants were recruited: 24 with CFS, 24 healthy volunteers, and 20 with other chronic illnesses.
- Participants completed the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (B-MAS) and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MC).
- These instruments were used to classify participants into one of four coping styles defined by Weinberger et al.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher proportion of participants in the CFS group (46%) were classified as Defensive High Anxious.
- This prevalence was significantly greater compared to the healthy volunteer and chronic illness comparison groups (chi(2)(2)=8.84, P=.012).
Conclusions:
- The findings support the cognitive-behavioral model of CFS by demonstrating the existence of defensive coping mechanisms.
- The Defensive High Anxious coping style may directly impact physical well-being through mechanisms similar to those identified in CFS.
- Further research is warranted to explore the links between this coping style, CFS, and physical health outcomes.
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