An Investigation of the Different Phases of the CFS illness

SummaryThe present study examined the factor structure of the Fennell Phase Inventory, an instrument designed to measure the phases of the illness known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Four hundred participants were recruited and randomly assigned to two equally sized groups. A similar three-factor solution emerged for both samples, suggesting that three phases characterize this illness: a Crisis phase, a Stabilization phase, and an Integration phase. Factor scores on the Crisis Factor were significantly related to levels of fatigue and disability. The Fennell Phase Inventory appears to be a promising way of differentiating the different phases that are experienced by patients with CFS. The implications of these findings are discussed.