Relationship satisfaction moderates the association between catastrophic cognitions and asthma symptoms

The tendency to have catastrophic beliefs and interpretations when anxious has been associated with less optimal disease management among persons with asthma. The goal of the present study was to examine the mediating effect of relationship satisfaction on the association between catastrophic cognitions and asthma symptom reporting in a sample of couples in which one partner has asthma. The participants were 50 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and their partners. The results indicated that catastrophic cognitions were significantly associated with greater asthma symptoms related to rapid breathing, irritability, and panic/fear, after controlling for asthma severity. Among participants with high relationship satisfaction, catastrophic cognitions were significantly associated with panic/fear, irritability, anger, and loneliness. Among participants with low relationship satisfaction, catastrophic cognitions were significantly associated with dyspnea, congestion, and rapid breathing. These results are discussed in terms of potentially reflecting patients' perceptions of the fit between their coping needs and the support available in their intimate relationships.