Publication
Title
Differential effects of childhood trauma subtypes on fatigue and physical functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome
Author
Abstract
Objective There is wide consensus that childhood trauma plays an important role in the aetiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The current study examines the differential effects of childhood trauma subtypes on fatigue and physical functioning in individuals suffering from CFS. Methods Participants were 155 well-documented adult, predominantly female CFS patients receiving treatment at the outpatient treatment centre for CFS of the Antwerp University Hospital in Belgium. Stepwise regression analyses were conducted with outcomes of the total score of the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) measuring fatigue and the scores on the physical functioning subscale of the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 Health Status Survey (SF-36) as the dependent variables, and the scores on the five subscales of the Traumatic Experiences Checklist (TEC) as the independent variables. Results The patients' fatigue (β = 1.38; p = 0.025) and physical functioning scores (β = − 1.79; p = 0.034) were significantly predicted by childhood sexual harassment. There were no significant effects of emotional neglect, emotional abuse, bodily threat, or sexual abuse during childhood. Conclusion Of the childhood trauma subtypes investigated, sexual harassment emerged as the most important predictor of fatigue and poor physical functioning in the CFS patients assessed. These findings have to be taken into account in further clinical research and in the assessment and treatment of individuals coping with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Comprehensive psychiatry. - New York, N.Y.
Publication
New York, N.Y. : 2017
ISSN
0010-440X
DOI
10.1016/J.COMPPSYCH.2017.07.006
Volume/pages
78 (2017) , p. 76-82
ISI
000411532300011
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 06.11.2017
Last edited 04.03.2024
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