Conservation of Resources and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic 
Fatigue Syndrome

Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Vol. 13, Issue 4 (2006), Pub 
Date: 4/5/2007, Page Range: 5 - 18

Contributors and affiliations:
René R. Taylor PhD, Associate Professor, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, 
Department of Occupational Therapy , University of Illinois at Chicago, 
Chicago, IL, 60612
Supriya Kulkarni MS, OTR/L, Graduate Student, Department of Occupational 
Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Yukiko Shiraishi PhD, Project Coordinator, Department of Occupational 
Therapy, University of Illnois at Chicago


Abstract:

Objective: To examine the relationship between resources and quality of 
life in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Participants and Study Design: A cross-sectional design was used to 
describe associations between resource loss and gain and quality of life 
for 47 individuals diagnosed with CFS.

Main Outcome Measures: The Conservation of Resources Evaluation was used to 
measure resources in terms of perceived loss and gain. Health-related 
quality of life was assessed with the Quality of Life Index.

Results: Total resource loss and total resource gain were significant 
correlates of overall quality of life. Gains in self-esteem, energy, and 
work resources were associated with higher-perceived quality of life. 
Material loss and energy loss were associated with lower-perceived quality 
of life.

Conclusions: Findings for the relationships between perceived resources of 
self-esteem, work, material items, and energy and perceived quality of life 
can be used inform future rehabilitation efforts. These relationships 
appear to occur independently of illness severity among individuals CFS.