Social comparison processes and catastrophising in fibromyalgia: A path analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Health Sciences
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Social comparison, including contrast and identification, influences illness adjustment.
• Limited research exists on the specific roles of contrast and identification in fibromyalgia adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between social comparison (identification and contrast), catastrophizing, and health outcomes in fibromyalgia patients.
• To evaluate the impact of upward and downward social comparison on fibromyalgia illness impact and psychological distress.

Main Methods:

• Path analysis was used to model associations in a sample of 131 Spanish fibromyalgia outpatients.
• Questionnaires assessed social comparison strategies, catastrophizing, fibromyalgia illness impact, and psychological distress.

Main Results:

• Upward contrast and downward identification explained 33% of the variance in catastrophizing.
• Fibromyalgia illness impact variance (35%) was associated with less upward identification, more upward contrast, and higher catastrophizing.
• Psychological distress variance (42%) was linked to increased upward contrast and greater fibromyalgia illness impact.

Conclusions:

• Interventions for fibromyalgia patients should promote upward identification in social comparison.
• Minimizing upward contrast and downward identification is recommended to improve patient outcomes and reduce distress.