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Volume 24, Issue 151 (9-2025)
Journal of Psychological Science 2025, 24(151): 33-54 |
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Omidi Cheshmeh Kabood A, Sepahvandi M, Mirderikvand F. (2025). Examining the Effect of Object Relations on Fibromyalgia Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia and Self-Compassion. Journal of Psychological Science. 24(151), 33-54.
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2755-en.html
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2755-en.html
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Lorestan, Iran , sepahvandi.m@lu.ac.ir
Abstract: (1258 Views)
Background: Fibromyalgia, with its complex psychological and biological aspects, remains a largely misunderstood challenge. The role of object relations and emotional dysregulation in exacerbating symptoms and the impact of self-compassion as a coping resource has been less explored. This study integrates these factors and offers a new perspective on effective psychological interventions.
Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of object relations on fibromyalgia symptoms, with emotional dysregulation and self-compassion serving as mediators.
Methods: This research employed a correlational design with structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of all individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia in Tehran in 2023. From this group, 250 participants were selected via convenience sampling. They completed the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (Bennett et al., 2009), the Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (Blatt, 1986), the Self-Compassion Short Form (Raes et al., 2011), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Bagby et al., 1994). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and AMOS24 software.
Results: The results showed that the structural model fit the collected data. The total path coefficient between object relations and fibromyalgia symptoms was significant and positive (P= 0.001,
β= 0.489). Additionally, the path coefficient between object relations and fibromyalgia symptoms through self-compassion (P= 0.001, β= 0.118) and emotional dysregulation (P= 0.001, β= 0.193) was also positive and significant.
Conclusion: self-compassion and emotional dysregulation significantly mediate the effect of object relations on fibromyalgia symptoms. The findings suggest that psychological interventions focused on enhancing self-compassion, reducing emotional dysregulation, and improving object relations could contribute to more effective management and reduction of fibromyalgia symptoms. These interventions may be applied in the design of comprehensive therapeutic and psychological programs for fibromyalgia patients.
Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of object relations on fibromyalgia symptoms, with emotional dysregulation and self-compassion serving as mediators.
Methods: This research employed a correlational design with structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of all individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia in Tehran in 2023. From this group, 250 participants were selected via convenience sampling. They completed the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (Bennett et al., 2009), the Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (Blatt, 1986), the Self-Compassion Short Form (Raes et al., 2011), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Bagby et al., 1994). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and AMOS24 software.
Results: The results showed that the structural model fit the collected data. The total path coefficient between object relations and fibromyalgia symptoms was significant and positive (P= 0.001,
β= 0.489). Additionally, the path coefficient between object relations and fibromyalgia symptoms through self-compassion (P= 0.001, β= 0.118) and emotional dysregulation (P= 0.001, β= 0.193) was also positive and significant.
Conclusion: self-compassion and emotional dysregulation significantly mediate the effect of object relations on fibromyalgia symptoms. The findings suggest that psychological interventions focused on enhancing self-compassion, reducing emotional dysregulation, and improving object relations could contribute to more effective management and reduction of fibromyalgia symptoms. These interventions may be applied in the design of comprehensive therapeutic and psychological programs for fibromyalgia patients.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/12/19 | Accepted: 2025/02/18 | Published: 2025/09/19
Received: 2024/12/19 | Accepted: 2025/02/18 | Published: 2025/09/19
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