Illness perceptions in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome and other physical health conditions: Application of the common sense model

Cara Haines, Maria Loades*, Cara Davis

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: The common sense model (CSM) proposes that illness perceptions guide coping and illness management, which subsequently affects outcomes. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is associated with severe functional impairment. CFS is distinct from other physical health conditions in that individuals can experience high levels of uncertainty, stigma and disbelief from others. This study aimed to compare illness perceptions in adolescents with CFS with other physical health conditions, using a cross-sectional, between-groups design.

METHODS:: Adolescents (aged 11-18) with CFS ( n = 49), type 1 diabetes ( n = 52) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis ( n = 42) were recruited through National Health Service (NHS) clinics and online, and completed a series of questionnaires.

RESULTS:: Adolescents with CFS differed on the perceived consequences, timeline, personal control, treatment control, identity and understanding dimensions of illness perceptions. Except for identity, these dimensions were predicted by health condition even when accounting for age, gender, fatigue, physical functioning, anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSIONS:: Results offer preliminary evidence for the applicability of the CSM in adolescents, with implications for supporting adolescents with physical health conditions. Results suggest that psychological interventions targeting perceived control, understanding and identity may have particular utility for adolescents with CFS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)546-563
Number of pages18
JournalClinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
Volume24
Issue number3
Early online date15 Feb 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2019

Keywords

  • CFS
  • common sense model
  • diabetes
  • illness representations
  • JIA

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