The clinical significance of drives in individuals with fibromyalgia. A concept mapping study

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia's impact on a societal and individual level is considerable, with current treatment being moderately effective and, therefore, leaving room for improvement. This study examines the applicability of Gilbert's emotion regulation model by investigating personal drives in people with fibromyalgia, their perceived importance, and the possible relationship to somatic symptoms. We hypothesized that the resulting drives would be based on evolutionary social needs and focused on controlling fibromyalgia pain and coping with the condition. We expected drives related to the control of fibromyalgia pain to be correlated to higher levels of somatic symptoms. Methods: a concept mapping design was used to gather qualitative data from participants on an international scale regarding personal drives; this resulted in an extensive overview of forty drives. 74 participants with a self-reported fibromyalgia diagnosis, with ages between 22 and 56, sorted and ranked these drives based on their perceived similarity and then on perceived importance; data regarding socioeconomic status was gathered and the PHQ-15 questionnaire to assess somatic symptoms. Results: Hierarchical cluster analysis yielded four clusters named interconnectedness, positive mindset, adjusted personal development, and healthy me-time. Participants ranked cluster positive mindset as the most important. No correlations were found between the perceived importance of clusters and somatic symptoms, except for one item called traveling. Conclusion: Gilbert's evolutionary social motivations were found amongst the clustered drive items, but no items were directly related to somatic symptoms. Other drives involved deficiency and growth needs; many drives were also related to psychotherapeutic goals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Positive Psychology. This study provides an extensive overview of forty drives that may aid future research in choosing relevant outcome measures; the drives obtained can also guide clinical practice to establish treatment objectives with patients with fibromyalgia collaboratively.