“I don’t think it’s a real word though”: Perceptions of Mindfulness as a Treatment for Arthritis-related Fatigue

Abstract

Fatigue is a pervasive and debilitating symptom of arthritis that results in interference both physically and cognitively, often disrupting daily activities and thought patterns. Previous qualitative and quantitative research has suggested alternative psychological therapies such as mindfulness may be useful to help cope with chronic pain associated with arthritis. Past research has also suggested that pain and fatigue are symptoms that often occur concurrently when diagnosed with arthritis. Currently there is no research on the perceptions of individuals with arthritis about the potential incorporation of psychological treatments like mindfulness for their arthritis-related fatigue. The aim of the present thesis was to investigate perceptions of mindfulness as a possible treatment for arthritis-related fatigue. The sample was comprised of twenty participants, aged 28 to 77, with a diagnosis of one or more of six various types of arthritis. The participants took part in one of six focus groups where they were asked about their experience of fatigue related to their arthritis, their experience with psychological therapies and mindfulness, as well as their willingness to incorporate mindfulness for their fatigue. Each group was conducted by three facilitators who asked semi-structured questions over 90-minutes. The groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Focus groups were then coded and analysed using inductive thematic analysis using a semantic approach coupled with a realist epistemology. Three themes were identified. The first theme ‘Lack of experience with psychological therapies for arthritis-related fatigue’ explains how participants had not accessed psychological support for their fatigue because of a variety of barriers to seeking treatment and not knowing it was an option for them. The second theme ‘Experiences and understanding of mindfulness’ had two subthemes, the first highlighting that the majority of participants did not know what mindfulness was, many never hearing the term prior to the focus groups, and the second highlighting that some participants did understand mindfulness, usually due to first-hand experience of some of the components of mindfulness. The third theme ‘Mindfulness as a potential treatment option for fatigue’ also had two subthemes showing a polarity between participants and their willingness to incorporate mindfulness for fatigue. Some of the participants who had experienced mindfulness before were willing to try mindfulness for their fatigue. However, others did not believe mindfulness would be useful for them due to a lack of understanding of what mindfulness involves and its potential benefits to them. These findings provide an in-depth account of how people with arthritis view alternative therapies such as mindfulness for fatigue. Furthermore, these findings suggest for mindfulness to be implemented in this demographic, increased education is required to decreased stigma associated with psychological therapies and first-hand experience of mindfulness is required. Overall, findings provide a unique perspective on a more holistic approach to treatment of fatigue among people with arthritis that may be useful in both educational and clinical settings.