Adjustment to fibromyalgia: The role of domain-specific self-efficacy and acceptance

Abstract

Objective: Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition of unknown aetiology characterised by widespread pain, fatigue, joint stiffness, and tenderness. Research in long-term conditions traditionally focuses on negative aspects of coping. The objective of this study therefore was to investigate the role of positive factors such as self-efficacy and acceptance in the context of adjustment to fibromyalgia. Method: The study employed a cross-sectional design using online questionnaires measuring self-efficacy, acceptance, kinesiophobia, coping, catastrophising, pain intensity, and fibromyalgia impact. A total of 117 participants with fibromyalgia (99 female) were recruited from fibromyalgia support-groups, organisations, and online forums. Results: Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis. After controlling for other cognitive and demographic variables, pain self-efficacy remained a significant predictor of pain intensity (p=.003); symptom self-efficacy remained the best predictor of psychological fibromyalgia impact (p=.001); and function self-efficacy remained the best predictor of functional (p