Myalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME\/CFS) is\u00a0 associated with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges, and much\u00a0 research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can be\u00a0 helpful for these difficulties. It is reasonable to assume that living\u00a0with ME\/CFS influences how people experience MBIs.<\/p>\n
However, existing\u00a0literature provides little insight into what it is like to attend an\u00a0MBI if experiencing ME\/CFS and thus there is a paucity of information\u00a0to guide intervention. The current research aimed to elucidate this\u00a0experience by applying Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to\u00a0eight interview transcripts.<\/p>\n
Four master themes – ‘The gift of\u00a0mindfulness’, ‘Struggling with doubts and\u00a0understanding’, ‘The\u00a0vulnerable self’, and ‘Healing relationships’ – emerged.<\/p>\n
Individuals\u00a0gave complex reports of MBIs which encompassed both positive and
\nnegative accounts. Throughout these accounts, ME\/CFS appeared at the\u00a0forefront of individuals’ perceptions as if it were a lens they viewed\u00a0their experiences through. For some, mindfulness gifted acceptance,\u00a0ways of self-soothing and methods of regaining control. Many\u00a0participants struggled with mindfulness however, fighting with their
\nown internal barriers and finding the guidance they were given\u00a0confusing.<\/p>\n
Being at the MBIs seemed to automatically place individuals\u00a0in a vulnerable position. Participants reported that it was essential\u00a0for them to ‘be on guard’, to monitor their activity and environment\u00a0in regards to illness exacerbation. Indeed, many individuals seemed to\u00a0expect the worst from the MBIs, particularly from the attitudes of\u00a0their course peers and facilitators.<\/p>\n
In contrast to participants’\u00a0expectations, individuals commonly reported that their facilitators\u00a0and peers understood their 15 conditions and experiences. This sense
\nof being validated and of belonging was reported to be therapeutic.\u00a0Moreover, relationships with others on the course were found to elicit\u00a0a sense of hope and helped individuals engage with the mindfulness\u00a0material.<\/p>\n
Best practice recommendations include reducing participants’\u00a0anxieties and managing expectations around MBIs as well as harnessing\u00a0the power of the group. Future research might further explore\u00a0discourses around MBIs, the group dynamics involved, hope, demographic\u00a0differences, and the potential utility of Acceptance and Commitment
\nTherapy for ME\/CFS.<\/p>\n
A pluralistic approach to medically unexplained symptoms<\/a>, by\u00a0Jennifer Ellen Dayes,\u00a0City University London, September 2014. Online: May 5, 2015<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Research abstract: Myalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME\/CFS) is\u00a0 associated with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges, and much\u00a0 research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can be\u00a0 helpful for these difficulties. It is reasonable to assume that living\u00a0with ME\/CFS influences how people … Continue reading