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Positive and negative social support in a chronic illness
1Department of Human Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
Psychological Reports
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Social support impacts mental health in chronic fatigue syndrome patients. Positive support links to anxiety, while negative support is tied to both anxiety and depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex condition impacting physical and mental well-being.
- Social support is a known factor influencing health outcomes, but its specific role in CFS requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a measure of social support tailored for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
- To examine the relationship between different types of social support and mental health outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- A new social support scale was created and administered to 207 individuals diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Statistical analyses were performed to assess correlations between social support scores and measures of anxiety and depression.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between positive social support and anxiety levels.
- Negative social support demonstrated significant correlations with both anxiety and depression.
Conclusions:
- The developed social support measure appears relevant for assessing patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Both positive and negative social support dimensions are associated with psychological distress, highlighting the importance of social context in CFS management.