Assessing openness to counselling referrals and exploring patients' reports of who helps in the management of Fibromyalgia.

This study explores the openness of people with Fibromyalgia (FM) to counselling referrals, and the issue of who helps in the management of symptoms. Data were collected from 190 support group members using an online survey. Results indicate that 52% of particpants believe they would benefit from seeing a counsellor. Further, in 67% of cases, reports of illness distress, emotional and practical problems correctly differentiated those who believed they would benefit from counselling referrals from those who did not. Participants report that health care, community, and interpersonal resources are helpful in the management of symptoms. In conclusion, health care professionals should explore the role of psychosocial factors in illness, and consider the benefits of community and interpersonal resources in the management of FM. ; The original print copy of this thesis may be available here: http://wizard.unbc.ca/record=b1362348