Negative affect in fibromyalgia in comparison to controls: A cross-sectional investigation of risk and protective factors

As a complex biopsychosocial dysregulation, fibromyalgia poses a significant challenge for healthcare personnel in addition to the unique burden on patients. Past studies have explored the role of negative affect in a myriad of chronic conditions with the intent of providing valuable data to reshape current treatment measures. This study seeks to analyze the factors associated with clinically significant self-reported levels of negative affect in people with and without fibromyalgia. Using a cross-sectional design, individuals aged 18 years or older, with and without fibromyalgia, participated in the research. A logistic model indicated 2 risk factors, and 1 protective factor associated with clinically significant levels of negative affect, namely age (those over 50 years had a reduced risk for negative affect by approximately 63%), whereas the presence of comorbidities and having fibromyalgia increased the risk by 326% and 388%, respectively. The results add to explanatory models that might be useful in understanding the interdependence between the experience of long-lasting pain and the links with negative affect.