Social Cognition and Attachment Profiles of Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Patients in Comparison with Healthy Subjects
Abstract
Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic syndrome primarily
characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Although its etiology
is not fully understood, complex interactions between biological,
genetic and psycho-sociological factors thought to be effective in the
onset and maintenance of FMS. Psychological factors could be explained
by social cognitive concepts, which include mentalizing other person’s
intentions, beliefs, behaviors and attachment styles. Objectives: In
this study we aimed to examine social cognitive and attachment profiles
of FMS patients. Methods: The participants were recruited from Marmara
University Pendik Training and Research Hospital. Sociodemographic data
were questioned in both groups while FMS group was also administered
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) to determine disease severity.
In order to evaluate social cognition profiles of the participants,
Reading Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), Empathy Quotient (EQ) and
Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised were applied by the same
researcher. Results: 41 women with FMS and 44 healthy women matched for
education and age were involved in the study. There was no significant
difference in sociodemographic parameters between FMS and control
groups. FMS patients did not differ significantly from control subjects
in means of RMET and EQ scores. Although no significant difference found
between attachment anxiety, FMS patients were found to have more
avoidant attachment style than control group. Conclusion: FMS patients
may have no social cognition impairments, especially in lack of any
psychiatric comorbidities. Moreover, these patients may suffer from
avoidant type of insecure attachment and this attachment style may
effect social support seeking behaviour of these patients.