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Abstract
Background : Prior studies indicate that problem-focused coping, a realistic optimistic explanatory style, and appropriate social support appear to be related to positive health outcomes and greater well-being. Aims : It was hypothesized that coping styles, optimism, amount of social support and quality of social support would significantly differ among those with chronic fatigue syndrome, idiopathic chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue resulting from a medical condition, and a control group. Results : Participants in the idiopathic chronic fatigue group had the lowest optimism scores and satisfaction with their social supports. Those in the medically explained condition used significantly more venting and focusing on symptoms than those within the control condition. The chronic fatigue syndrome group had higher levels of optimism and satisfaction with social supports than the other two chronically fatigued groups, and behavioral disengagement was related to worse mental composite scores, while maintaining activities and optimism was related to more positive mental composite scores. Conclusion : Psychological factors, such as coping styles, optimism, and perceived social support are correlated with important mental and physical health outcomes of functionality.