Can Couples Find a Silver Lining Amid the Dark Cloud of ME/CFS

Abstract

Sustaining a long-term committed couple relationship is often challenging. When the dark cloud of chronic illness descends upon a couple, remaining together can become even more daunting—or so it is commonly assumed. Current literature is highlighting a silver lining phenomenon known as positive reframing or benefit finding as a reaction to the dark cloud of chronic illness. These studies focus upon the experience of the individual, yet little research has been conducted into the experience of couple relationships. A study was conducted to research whether some couples experience an unexpected positivity when one partner has myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). ME/CFS is a debilitating and mysterious disease of the immune, endocrine, and central nervous systems. Positivity was measured by the Silver Lining Questionnaire for Couples and explored further in an interview. Understanding how some couples experience this phenomenon can build resilient relationships and reduce the severity of symptoms for sufferers.