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Personality and perfectionism in chronic fatigue syndrome: A closer look

Lookup NU author(s): Vincent Deary

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Abstract

Objective: To test the hypothesis that people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) would differ significantly from a healthy control group on measures of general personality and perfectionism, specifically on measures of neuroticism and unhealthy perfectionism. Method: A total of 27 female CFS outpatients and 30 female healthy controls completed questionnaires, including the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised, the Multi-dimensional Perfectionism Scale and measures of anxiety and depression. Results: The CFS group was significantly more fatigued, anxious and depressed than healthy controls. They scored significantly higher on neuroticism and unhealthy perfectionism. Healthy and unhealthy perfectionism were positively correlated in the CFS group, but not in the control group. Conclusion: The present study confirms the link between neuroticism and fatigue and finds a link between unhealthy perfectionism and fatigue. A 'healthy trait', such as healthy perfectionism, when coupled with evaluative concerns is not necessarily healthy in a fatigued population. Researchers and clinicians should note the context in which apparently benign traits are expressed, and how they interact with other traits. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Deary V, Chalder T

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Psychology and Health

Year: 2010

Volume: 25

Issue: 4

Pages: 465-475

ISSN (print): 0887-0446

ISSN (electronic): 1476-8321

Publisher: Routledge

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08870440802403863

DOI: 10.1080/08870440802403863

PubMed id: 20204923

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