This thesis is composed firstly of a literature review focusing on the attitudes of health
professionals towards chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and
fibromyalgia. Secondly, a research paper explores the ways in which people living with
CFS/ME have experienced psycho-emotional disablism. Finally, a critical appraisal discusses
the process of conducting the research as well as its strengths and limitations.

The literature review takes the form of a meta-synthesis regarding the attitudes of
healthcare professionals towards CFS/ME and fibromyalgia. A meta-ethnographic approach
was used with reciprocal translation producing the following themes: “Feeling hopeless and
more hopeless”: psychological effects of lack of knowledge; “Your heart sinks when they
come in the room”: stigma and stereotypes; and “I’m going to be with you through thick and
thin”: management of the condition. The review highlights the difficulties faced by health
professionals regarding the management and diagnosis of both conditions, as well as possible
reasons for the negative attitudes held by some professionals.

The research paper, which employed thematic analysis, explores the ways in which
people living with CFS/ME have experienced psycho-emotional disablism. Three
overarching themes were identified: “fighting to be heard”; “lack of legitimacy” and “feeling
invisible”. Participants described the discrimination and stigma that they had encountered
from many areas of society. Ideas for future research are proposed.

The critical appraisal presents the author’s reflections on the research process as well
as its strengths and limitations, and the five stages of the process are described as follows:
choosing a thesis topic and designing the project; recruitment and research interviews; the
interview process; analysis and writing up of the data; and the author’s reflections on the
project.