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Downward comparison and coping with serious medical problems
Glenn Affleck1, Howard Tennen1, Carol Pfeiffer1
1University of Connecticut Health Center.
Correlates of selective comparisons by mothers of high-risk infants and individuals with rheumatoid arthritis showed that mothers were especially likely to make downward comparisons. Arthritis patients making downward comparisons were rated by their health care providers as more positively adjusted, independent of actual severity of illness. Implications for support providers are discussed.
Correlates of selective comparisons by mothers of high-risk infants and individuals with rheumatoid arthritis showed that mothers were especially likely to make downward comparisons. Arthritis patients making downward comparisons were rated by their health care providers as more positively adjusted, independent of actual severity of illness. Implications for support providers are discussed.