Article

People with fibromyalgia (FM), a medically unexplained illness,
habitually experience widespread pain and fatigue. While some qualitative
research has aimed to understand the experiences of people with FM, studies from
a specific narrative perspective are particularly lacking.
This review argues
that future research could be significantly enhanced by studies which analyse the
narratives of people with FM. This argument is made through reference to
an examination of the extant qualitative literature on the experience of FM and
theories and narrative studies on chronic illnesses and identity. RESULTS: The
empirical literature is reviewed from a narrative perspective; this assumes that
the stories people tell reveal much about their identities and social worlds. As
such, it is proposed that narrative analysis is particularly well suited for
exploring issues of self and culture and for appreciating how meanings evolve
over time. Further, it is also argued that consideration of these issues is
particularly relevant for understanding the experience of FM given the enigmatic
nature of the syndrome and its chronic course. CONCLUSIONS: The review concludes
by emphasizing that narrative analysis is a valuable method which offers the
potential for uncovering novel insights about the illness experience for these
individuals.
CI - (c) 2012 Informa UK, Ltd.

Langue : ANGLAIS