The bodily self in fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of body image, body representation, and interoceptive dysfunction.
Martina Mesce, Matteo Scalzeri, Carmen M Galvez-Sánchez et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined body image, body representation, body awareness, and related experiences in adults with fibromyalgia. Across 25 studies, people with fibromyalgia had greater impairment in these domains than healthy controls and people with other rheumatic conditions (pooled ES = 0.99; 95% CI [0.64-1.35]). The review also found that bodily disturbances were associated with greater pain and disease impact, and with poorer quality of life and psychological outcomes. Qualitative studies described bodily alienation and changes in bodily identity.
Key findings
- Across 25 studies, bodily impairments were greater in fibromyalgia than in comparison groups (pooled ES = 0.99; 95% CI [0.64-1.35]).
- Bodily disturbances were positively associated with pain intensity and disease impact.
- Disturbances were negatively associated with quality of life, anxiety, depression, and alexithymia.
- Qualitative findings described bodily alienation and transformation of bodily identity.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that the experience of fibromyalgia extends beyond nociception to include perceptual, cognitive, and affective aspects of the bodily self. These dimensions were associated with symptom burden and quality of life, supporting their relevance to a broader understanding of the condition. The review also highlights the need for consistent measurement and further research into these relationships.
What to keep in mind
Evidence was limited by cross-sectional study designs and variability in outcome measures.