The Social Course of Fibromyalgia: Resisting Processes of Marginalisation

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition impacting many individuals, often leading to social marginalization.
• Understanding the lived experience is crucial for developing supportive interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
• To identify how patients resist social marginalization and the sick role.

Main Methods:

• Empirical study utilizing qualitative methods.
• Data collected through identity box projects and semi-structured interviews with 28 fibromyalgia patients.
• Analysis employed iterative, inductive, semantic thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Four major themes emerged: the social construction of experience, redefining life goals, rejecting the fibromyalgia diagnosis, and considering patient identity.
• Identified four forms of resistance against marginalization: incorporating societal norms, redefining reality, actively rejecting the diagnosis, and proactive management of the sick role.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with fibromyalgia actively resist marginalization through various coping strategies.
• These strategies involve cognitive and behavioral efforts to maintain a sense of self and social integration despite the diagnosis.