Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatologic syndrome characterized by chronic pain of unknown etiology, configured as a theoretical and practical issue in the Health area. Behavior Analysis can contribute to the study of this syndrome by providing a functional analysis of chronic pain, in terms of possible contextual variables related to its origin and maintenance in FM. Taking that into consideration, this empirical and exploratory project aimed to operationalize the chronic pain in FM in terms of contingencies. For this, the analysis of contingencies was guided by a molar perspective, investigating pain as a class of behavior constituted throughout the life history of the individual. To obtain the information, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women diagnosed with FM who attended a University Hospital in the state of Paraná. The information was systematized and interpreted in light of Behavior Analysis concepts. The results indicate that chronic pain in FM is a behavioral class, involving respondent (biological mobilization to stress response and nociceptive response) and operant (complaints, absenteeism at work, social isolation) elements; in addition, this class has as background conditions of uncontrollability and bodily limitation, and as consequences: social care, and avoidance of both social disapproval and poorly-executed tasks. These results complement the national behavior-analytic literature on FM; they also provide theoretical support for the development of psychotherapeutic treatments, as well as contribute to the effectiveness of the doctor-patient relationship in the context of FM.
Fibromyalgia; Pain; Functional Analysis