Journal article
Beyond fatigue: an intersectional analysis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and social identities
Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.), Vol.44(22), pp.17694-17706
11/2025
DOI: 10.1007/s12144-025-08248-2
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, chronic condition characterized by debilitating fatigue or exhaustion that is not alleviated by rest. Affecting many aspects of an individual’s life, ME/CFS has been associated with significant functional limitations, physical and psychological symptoms, and changes in personal identity. Stigma has long accompanied ME/CFS, demonstrated in part by the historical controversy regarding the legitimacy of the condition. Intersectionality describes an analytical framework that considers intersecting and overlapping systems of oppression and privilege in shaping the lived experience, involving multiple social identities including disability, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and class. An intersectional framework examines the ways in which various social identities intersect to affect the understanding and experience of ME/CFS, both historically and for those currently living with the condition. Initially described as neurasthenia and believed to be caused by organic neurological pathology, ME/CFS has since been increasingly attributed to psychosocial causes, exacerbating stigma. This change in perception has been accompanied by shifts in the sociodemographic characteristics of those affected. Traditionally understood to affect mostly white women of middle and upper socioeconomic class, community-based studies indicate that the condition is likely more prevalent, though underdiagnosed, in women of color of lower socioeconomic class. Several strategies may promote patient-centered care of individuals with ME/CFS, including improving education of healthcare providers, addressing healthcare inequities, enhancing access to care, and ensuring representative research samples.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Beyond fatigue: an intersectional analysis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and social identities
- Creators
- Zoe SirotiakEmily B. K. Thomas
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.), Vol.44(22), pp.17694-17706
- DOI
- 10.1007/s12144-025-08248-2
- ISSN
- 1046-1310
- eISSN
- 1936-4733
- Publisher
- SPRINGER
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 07/25/2025
- Date published
- 11/2025
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
- Record Identifier
- 9984927208502771
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