Beliefs about sharing illness experiences: Development of a scale and relationship with symptoms of fibromyalgia

Wroe, Abigail L. and Bowers, Hannah M. (2019) Beliefs about sharing illness experiences: Development of a scale and relationship with symptoms of fibromyalgia. British Journal of Health Psychology, 687–703. (doi:10.1111/bjhp.12376).

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of the current research was to evaluate, in people with fibromyalgia, the extent to which beliefs about sharing illness experiences are associated with functioning and distress, and to explore the mediating role of illness behaviours. A new scale was designed to address this.

Design
The Beliefs about Sharing Illness Experiences (BASIE) scale was developed, and initial tests of reliability and validity were conducted. A cross-sectional design was used to determine relationships, including mediation analyses.

Methods
Individuals with fibromyalgia (n = 147) and a comparison group of individuals without fibromyalgia (n = 47) completed questionnaires online. Construct validity was assessed by comparing these two groups. Convergent validity was assessed through correlations with the BASIE and measures of support-seeking and self-sacrifice. Correlation analyses were used to determine relationships with illness behaviours and outcome measures (distress and global impact). Mediation analyses were used to test the indirect effects of illness behaviours.

Results
The BASIE was correlated with expected convergent measures and had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .939). Individuals with fibromyalgia had significantly higher scores than the comparison group. There was a direct relationship between BASIE scores and outcomes, in terms of functioning and distress. The relationship between BASIE scores and functioning was partially mediated by personal/emotional support-seeking and all-or-nothing behaviours, and not by symptom-related support-seeking or limiting behaviours.

Conclusion
Beliefs about sharing illness experiences may be a key factor in maintaining cycles of distress and symptoms in people with fibromyalgia, together with all-or-nothing behaviours and personal/emotional support-seeking.

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Contributors

Author: Hannah M. Bowers

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