Psychological Predictors of Fibromyalgia Among High School Students

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine prediction power of psychological factors (i.e., alexithymia and psychological distress) on fibromyalgia among high school students. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Data related to alexithymia, psychological distress, and fibromyalgia were collected from 483 high school students from the northern part of Jordan using stratified cluster random sampling. Results showed that psychological distress is a significant predictor of fibromyalgia (odds ratio = 1.1, p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between males and females in relation to alexithymia ( t = −4.87, p < 0.001), psychological distress ( t = −6.0, p < 0.001), and fibromyalgia (χ 2 = 4.14, p = 0.04, phi = 0.07). Age was only significantly correlated with alexithymia ( r = 0.06, p < 0.05). Given the relationship among psychological distress, alexithymia, and fibromyalgia, mental health professionals should carefully observe psychological disturbances among high school students. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60 (8), 19–25.]