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Correlations between coping styles and symptom expectation for rheumatoid arthritis
Robert Ferrari1, Anthony S Russell
1Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 4000 Research Transition Facility, 8308-114 Street, T6G 2V2 Edmonton, AB, Canada. rferrari@shaw.ca
Clinical Rheumatology
|August 18, 2010
Summary
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who use passive coping styles anticipate greater disability. Active coping is linked to lower disability expectations, highlighting the importance of coping mechanisms in managing RA outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Health Psychology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Active coping strategies in pain conditions correlate with reduced depression and functional impairment.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis is often associated with high expectations of chronic disability.
- Understanding coping styles and expectations in early RA is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare coping styles and disability expectations in individuals newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- To investigate the relationship between coping mechanisms and anticipated functional limitations in early RA.
Main Methods:
- University students without prior RA experience or known RA patients were recruited.
- Participants completed the Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).
- A vignette describing a new RA diagnosis was used to assess expected coping behaviors and functional outcomes.
Main Results:
- Mean active coping score was 27.3 (out of 40), and mean passive coping score was 26.2 (out of 50).
- Higher passive coping scores correlated positively with higher disability expectations (r=0.48).
- Higher active coping scores correlated negatively with disability expectations (r=-0.34).
Conclusions:
- Coping styles and expectations may interact to influence rheumatoid arthritis patient outcomes.
- Further research into the interplay of coping and expectations in RA management is warranted.
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