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Psychosocial factors and chronic fatigue syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Suzan Lewis
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester School of Management, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
Cary L. Cooper*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester School of Management, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
Derrick Bennett
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester School of Management, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
*
1Address for correspondence: Professor Cary L. Cooper, UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester M60 1QD

Synopsis

This study investigated the number and severity of life events, Type A behaviour, coping strategies and social support differences between chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome patients prior to illness and between these groups and healthy controls. Although few differences were found between the groups for life events, a number of interesting results emerged with regard to different aspects of Type A behaviour, various coping strategies and social support. These findings are discussed with respect to existing research in the field.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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