Sports Psychology

Sports Psychology

Relationship between Physical Activity and Fibromyalgia Syndrome Symptoms in Women: The Mediating Role of Distress Tolerance

Authors
Azar Ezzati Jamalpour 1
Mojtba Amiri Majd 2
1 MS in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Eslamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Eslamshahr, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Abhar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran.
10.48308/mbsp.2024.106430
Abstract
Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome in women, examining the mediating role of distress tolerance.
Methods: This research was applied in purpose and adopted a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population comprised all women diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome who visited clinics in Tehran during the autumn of 2024. A total of 270 participants were selected through convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (Bennett et al., 2009), the health-promoting lifestyle profile (Walker et al., 1987), and the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005). Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling.
Results: Results indicated that fibromyalgia symptoms were significantly predicted by physical activity (β = -0.318, P=0.001) and distress tolerance (β = -0.355, p = 0.001). Additionally, physical activity had a significant indirect effect on fibromyalgia symptoms through the mediation of distress tolerance (β = -0.144, P=0.001).
Conclusion: The structural equation model demonstrated that distress tolerance serves as a significant mediator in the relationship between physical activity and the reduction of fibromyalgia symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of addressing psychological factors such as distress tolerance in physical activity-based therapeutic and rehabilitation programs to better manage fibromyalgia.
 
Keywords
Distress Tolerance
Women
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Physical Activity
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Sports Psychology
Volume 16, Issue 2
2024
Pages 278-291

  • Receive Date 02 February 1403
  • Revise Date 28 April 1403
  • Accept Date 01 September 1403