Na saúde e na doença? Revisão da literatura sobre os desdobramentos da fibromialgia na vida conjugal

Abstract

It is estimated that fibromyalgia significantly affects family relationships, specifically marital relationships, as it imposes adaptations in various aspects of the couple's dynamics. The present study aimed to summarize, through a literature review, the scientific production on the impact of fibromyalgia on marital life. It is a narrative review, privileging qualitative research to emphasize the perspective of individuals affected by the syndrome and their respective intimate partners. The necessary references for the composition of the bibliographic sample were obtained through different strategies. The full texts of the selected references were located and subjected to readings focused on extracting information about the following dimensions of analysis: (a) country of origin, (b) participants, (c) data collection, (d) data analysis, and (e) main results. The bibliographic sample consisted of 11 references published between 2003 and 2022, derived from research conducted in Europe (n=6) with fibromyalgia patients (n=7), where data were collected through interviews (n=9) and analyzed according to the methodological procedures of content analysis (n=3). The results of the selected references show that the syndrome tends to negatively impact the couple's dynamics in various ways. This discussed in light of assumptions from Family and Couple Psychoanalysis, represents a significant threat to the four principles that organize marital bonds: respect, reciprocity, recognition, and responsibility. Therefore, health professionals, in favor of the entirety of clinical practices, should consider the repercussions of fibromyalgia on marital life.