Metacognitive Factors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Lorraine Maher-Edwards; Bruce A. Fernie; Gabrielle Murphy; Ana V. Nikcevic; Marcantonio M. Spada

doi:10.1002/cpp.757

Metacognitive Factors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Lorraine Maher-Edwards, Bruce A. Fernie, Gabrielle Murphy, Ana V. Nikcevic, Marcantonio M. Spada

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is characterized by fatigue and flu-like symptoms that are not alleviated by rest, is a poorly understood condition and an often controversial diagnosis. Earlier research has indicated that general metacognitions are associated with the severity of symptoms in patients with CFS. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether specific metacognitive factors are implicated in CFS. Using the metacognitive profiling interview template we investigated the following: (1) whether patients held positive or negative metacognitions about conceptual processes; (2) what their goals with respect to engaging in these processes were; and (3) what indicated that it was appropriate to stop. We also examined attention focus when experiencing CFS symptoms, and its advantages and disadvantages. Results showed that patients endorsed positive and negative metacognitions pertaining to conceptual processes. The goals of engaging in these processes were to identify the cause of, and devise strategies to cope with, symptoms. Patients were either unable to identify a stop signal for conceptual processing or identified an improvement in fatigue-related symptoms as representing the stop signal. Finally, patients reported that their attention focus when experiencing symptoms included distraction and monitoring of symptoms. Advantages to these strategies included symptom management, whereas disadvantages included an escalation of negative affect. The present findings provide preliminary evidence that specific metacognitive factors may be involved in CFS.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	552-557
Number of pages	6
Journal	Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
Volume	19
Issue number	6
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.757
Publication status	Published - 12 May 2011
Externally published	Yes

Bibliographical note

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Maher-Edwards, L., Fernie, B.A., Murphy, G., Nikcevic, A.V. and Spada, M.M. (2012), Metacognitive Factors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Clin. Psychol. Psychother., 19: 552-557. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.757, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.757. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.

Keywords

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Conceptual Processes
Metacognitive Factors
Rumination
Worry

Access to Document

10.1002/cpp.757

Maher-Edwards, L. et al. Metacognitive factors in chronic fatigue syndromeAccepted author manuscript, 104 KBLicence: Unspecified

Cite this

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title = "Metacognitive Factors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome",

abstract = "Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is characterized by fatigue and flu-like symptoms that are not alleviated by rest, is a poorly understood condition and an often controversial diagnosis. Earlier research has indicated that general metacognitions are associated with the severity of symptoms in patients with CFS. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether specific metacognitive factors are implicated in CFS. Using the metacognitive profiling interview template we investigated the following: (1) whether patients held positive or negative metacognitions about conceptual processes; (2) what their goals with respect to engaging in these processes were; and (3) what indicated that it was appropriate to stop. We also examined attention focus when experiencing CFS symptoms, and its advantages and disadvantages. Results showed that patients endorsed positive and negative metacognitions pertaining to conceptual processes. The goals of engaging in these processes were to identify the cause of, and devise strategies to cope with, symptoms. Patients were either unable to identify a stop signal for conceptual processing or identified an improvement in fatigue-related symptoms as representing the stop signal. Finally, patients reported that their attention focus when experiencing symptoms included distraction and monitoring of symptoms. Advantages to these strategies included symptom management, whereas disadvantages included an escalation of negative affect. The present findings provide preliminary evidence that specific metacognitive factors may be involved in CFS.",

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note = "This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Maher-Edwards, L., Fernie, B.A., Murphy, G., Nikcevic, A.V. and Spada, M.M. (2012), Metacognitive Factors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Clin. Psychol. Psychother., 19: 552-557. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.757, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.757. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley{\textquoteright}s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.",

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