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The Self and Others in CFS/ME: Reinterpreting Research Evidence

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Meanings of ME: Interpersonal and Social Dimensions of Chronic Fatigue

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Abstract

Chapter 7 provided interpersonal perspectives on CFS/ME without offering any theoretical commentary. This chapter considers how the meanings of CFS/ ME are developed between individuals and others. We begin with a critique of the cognitive-behavioural model of illness and suggest how it might better take account of connections between human relationships and illness. Using examples from Chapter 7 and elsewhere we then review research literature in terms of the following propositions: (1) The social implications of CFS/ME are fundamental to its personal meaning; (2) individuals (and also health professionals) interpret illness through a cultural lens; (3) meanings of CFS/ME are established within personal relationships; (4) interpretations of symptoms, severity of illness and family relationships influence one another; (5) ‘coping ’ is a social process, intimately related to meaning-making; and (6) meanings derived from present and past relationships are important vulnerability factors. Each of these gain support from available evidence although our interpretation sometimes requires a shift from a cognitivist to a discursive paradigm. We end with a discussion of gender.

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  1. Christopher D. Ward
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  2. Matthew Horrocks
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  1. University of Nottingham, UK

    Christopher D. Ward (Emeritus Professor) (Emeritus Professor)

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© 2015 Christopher D. Ward and Matthew Horrocks

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Ward, C.D., Horrocks, M. (2015). The Self and Others in CFS/ME: Reinterpreting Research Evidence. In: Ward, C.D. (eds) Meanings of ME: Interpersonal and Social Dimensions of Chronic Fatigue. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137467324_9

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