ABSTRACT
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a chronic debilitating disease that affects two to five million persons in the United States. Previous studies examined theories of etiology and have resulted in contradictory findings. This study explored the psychosocial factors associated with CFS. Questionnaires were administered to 49 CFS sufferers and a matched sample of non-CFS sufferers. Significant differences were found in the perception of stress and its causes, coping styles, and emotional responses to affective states as measured by the Ways of Coping, Derogatis Stress, Trait Anger, Perceived Stress, and Profile of Moods scales. Groups were not different on the measure of trait anger. The findings indicated that associated psychosocial factors do influence the illness trajectory and the quality of life of CFS sufferers. These findings have implications for nursing practice.