Fibromyalgia: New study launched at the university
06/30/2026How does fibromyalgia affect relationships? This question is the focus of a new study at the University of Würzburg. Participants are still being sought for the study.
People with fibromyalgia often have to cope not only with chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances and other symptoms. The condition can also affect their relationships with partners and their family life. To find out more about these changes, the University of Würzburg is seeking people with fibromyalgia and their partners to take part in two new research focus groups.
The study focuses on the impact of fibromyalgia on couple relationships and everyday life together. The researchers aim to gain a better understanding of the challenges the condition poses for relationships, how couples cope with them, and the changes they experience. Furthermore, the study will investigate the role the condition may play in conflicts or separations.
Participants are invited to share their personal experiences in moderated online discussion sessions. The focus groups will take place in a safe environment with psychological support. Each group will consist of five to ten people. The discussion sessions will last two hours each.
Who can take part?
We are looking for people diagnosed with fibromyalgia and their partners. Participants must be willing to share their personal experiences and consent to the scientific use of the data collected.
Focus group dates
The following dates are available for the first focus group on the topic of ‘Fibromyalgia in families and couple relationships’:
- People with fibromyalgia: 8 July 2026 or 13 July 2026
- Partners: 9 July 2026 or 15 July 2026
The focus groups will take place online via Zoom from 6 pm to 8 pm.
A second focus group is aimed at those affected who do not have a partner. It will explore how fibromyalgia can change relationships or lead to break-ups. The dates are:
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- July 2026 or 23 July 2026, from 6 pm to 8 pm on each occasion
Registration
Those interested can register by 3 July 2026 with Saskia Drapart, Tel: 0163 691 98 67, Email: intervention@uni-wuerzburg.de
Alternatively, you can register by emailing maria.klier@stud-mail.uni-wuerzburg.de.
Scientific background
The focus groups are being run as part of Professor Andrea Kübler’s Intervention Psychology research group. The research group is exploring new intervention strategies to help people cope with living with chronic pain. The focus groups will be moderated by Maria Klier, a Master’s student in General Psychology, and Saskia Drapart, a PhD student. Dr Karolin Teichmüller will provide therapeutic support during the discussion sessions.
