Can Gratitude Ease the Burden of Fibromyalgia? A Systematic Review

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Carneiro, BD (Author) Other; Pozza, DH (Author) Other; Isaura Tavares (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Behavioral Sciences

Vol. 15

Final page: 1079

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-019-XHT

DOI: 10.3390/bs15081079

Abstract (EN): Fibromyalgia has unclear etiopathogenesis, no curative treatment, and a severe impact on the quality of life. Gratitude practices have been shown to enhance the quality of life in chronic diseases. This systematic review, performed by searching five electronic databases, following the PRISMA guidelines, is the first aiming to evaluate the impact of gratitude in fibromyalgia. Data from eligible studies was extracted and a narrative synthesis was performed. Six articles (four observational studies and two randomized clinical trials) were included. Higher levels of gratitude are associated with reduced symptom severity, an enhanced quality of life, improved well-being, and the improvement of pain-related outcomes in fibromyalgia patients. Gratitude is related to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression; better sleep patterns; and less functional impairment in FM patients. Higher levels of gratitude contribute to a better quality of life, general well-being, and higher functioning capacity in fibromyalgia patients. Based on the results gathered in this systematic review, we propose that gratitude should be investigated as a therapeutic adjuvant in the management of fibromyalgia.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20