Emotional Distress and Chronic Fatigue Symptoms
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Are metacognitive processes associated with distress in people with chronic fatigue symptoms?
IRAS ID
253333
Contact name
Peter Fisher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
5908, RD&I Study Number, Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 0 days
Research summary
The study is looking at the role of psychological factors in emotional distress in people with chronic fatigue symptoms. The research seeks to explore the clinical utility of a specific psychological model called the metacognitive model. Metacognition refers to how people think about their thinking. Metacognitive therapy focuses upon thought processes as opposed to the content of thoughts, and how these may impact upon emotional distress. The aim is to inform multi-disciplinary care programs for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), as part of a ‘living well with chronic illness’ approach. Metacognitive Therapy is a trans-diagnostic approach, for which there is evidence to support efficacious interventions with other physical health populations.
Participants will be asked to confirm that they have received a clinical diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME. Participants will complete an online survey (or a paper alternative), taking between 20 - 30 minutes. The survey will comprise of anonymous demographic information, in addition to the following standardised measures:
Primary outcome - Distress: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) (Zigmond & Snaith, 1983)
Secondary measures:
Fatigue: The Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS: Chalder et al., 1993)
Metacognitive beliefs: The 30-Item Metacognitions Survey 30 (MCQ-30) (Wells & Cartwright-Hatton, 2004)
Cognitive Attentional Syndrome: The CAS-10 (Wells, 2008)
Participants will be asked to complete this within two hours and can take breaks during this time if needed. The online version of the survey will have an option to save and continue.
Participants will not not be asked to identify themselves as individuals (data will be anonymous at the point of collection).
Data analysis will assess whether metacognitive beliefs make a unique contribution to distress experienced by PWCFS, independently of symptom severity (fatigue levels).
Participants between the ages of 18 and 65 will be recruited from participating specialist clinics, online support groups, social media and local support groups identified via the ME Association website.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0406
Date of REC Opinion
6 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion