Barcroft, Rachel and Simpson, Jane and Thomas, Carol (2017) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Fibromyalgia : a Social Model of Disability Perspective. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.
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Abstract
This thesis is composed firstly of a literature review focusing on the attitudes of health professionals towards chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and fibromyalgia. Secondly, a research paper explores the ways in which people living with CFS/ME have experienced psycho-emotional disablism. Finally, a critical appraisal discusses the process of conducting the research as well as its strengths and limitations. The literature review takes the form of a meta-synthesis regarding the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards CFS/ME and fibromyalgia. A meta-ethnographic approach was used with reciprocal translation producing the following themes: “Feeling hopeless and more hopeless”: psychological effects of lack of knowledge; “Your heart sinks when they come in the room”: stigma and stereotypes; and “I’m going to be with you through thick and thin”: management of the condition. The review highlights the difficulties faced by health professionals regarding the management and diagnosis of both conditions, as well as possible reasons for the negative attitudes held by some professionals. The research paper, which employed thematic analysis, explores the ways in which people living with CFS/ME have experienced psycho-emotional disablism. Three overarching themes were identified: “fighting to be heard”; “lack of legitimacy” and “feeling invisible”. Participants described the discrimination and stigma that they had encountered from many areas of society. Ideas for future research are proposed. The critical appraisal presents the author’s reflections on the research process as well as its strengths and limitations, and the five stages of the process are described as follows: choosing a thesis topic and designing the project; recruitment and research interviews; the interview process; analysis and writing up of the data; and the author’s reflections on the project.