Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and/or multiple tender points located on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that hurt when touched. FM can be a debilitating condition with financial, emotional, interpersonal, and health costs that can affect not only the person diagnosed, but his or her family and friends. Presently, the etiology of FM is largely unknown and there is no definitive cure. Researchers have identified several possible contributing factors in the development and maintenance of FM, including genetics, abnormalities in the neuroendocrine system, and sleep disturbances as well as psychiatric disorders. Victimization experiences (e.g., sexual and physical abuse) have also been cited in the literature as a contributing factor. Prevalence rates for physical abuse and sexual abuse in clinical samples range from 18% to 47.2% and 9.5% to 66.7%, respectively. However, results obtained from studies using community representative samples have not been consistent. Possible explanations for the discrepancy are discussed. Additionally, the interplay between mental health and victimization experiences in FM are discussed using McEwen’s (1998) allostatic load hypothesis and Van Houdenhove & Egle’s (2004) biopsychosocial model of stress and FM.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Science and Technology

First Advisor

Kendal Boyd

Second Advisor

Jason Owen

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Degree Level

Psych.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2010

Date (Title Page)

6-2010

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Fibromyalgia; Mental Health -- outlines; Nervous System Diseases -- outlines; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic -- outlines; Arthritis, Rheumatoid -- outlines; Crime Victims -- psychology; Family -- psychology.

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

vii; 39

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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