Related Experiment Videos
Age, pain, and coping with rheumatoid arthritis
Ken W Watkins1, Kim Shifren, Denise C Park
1Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA Department of Psychology, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA Department of Psychology and The Center for Applied Cognitive Research on Aging, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Gerontology Center and Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
Pain
|September 17, 1999
Summary
Older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) use more maladaptive coping strategies for mild pain. Coping effectiveness depends on the interaction between the individual and the pain situation.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation and pain.
- Understanding coping mechanisms in RA patients is crucial for effective pain management and quality of life.
- Age and pain severity are potential moderators of coping strategy selection in chronic pain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between age and pain severity (mild vs. severe) in predicting coping strategies used by individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- To explore how older adults with RA adapt their coping mechanisms based on pain intensity.
- To examine age-related differences in coping expertise for rheumatoid arthritis pain.
Main Methods:
- An age-stratified sample of 121 individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was recruited.
- Participants completed a modified version of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ).
- Coping strategies were assessed for both mild and severe rheumatoid arthritis pain episodes.
Main Results:
- Older adults were more prone to using maladaptive coping strategies during mild RA pain compared to younger adults.
- Older adults' reported coping patterns indicated less expertise in managing RA pain than anticipated.
- Both age groups utilized more active coping strategies for mild pain and more maladaptive strategies for severe pain.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between individual factors (age) and situational context (pain severity) significantly influences coping strategy selection in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Research on illness and coping is enhanced by considering the dynamic interplay between the individual and the stressor.
- Findings suggest a need for age-tailored interventions to improve coping efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis patients.