The moderating effect of demographic variables on coping effectiveness

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Rheumatology
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Coping strategies are theoretically recognized as moderators of psychological distress.
• Empirical evidence suggests a modest moderating effect of coping.
• The influence of demographic variables on coping effectiveness requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the moderating effect of demographic variables (DV) on coping effectiveness.
• To assess the impact of demographic variables on active cognitive coping, avoidance coping, and active behavioral coping.
• To understand how demographic factors influence the ability of coping strategies to temper psychological distress in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Main Methods:

• A study sample of 12 male and 65 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Data collected from patients treated in three outpatient clinics in Israel.
• Analysis focused on the moderating role of demographic variables on different coping strategies.

Main Results:

• Demographic variables play a significant and surprising role in coping effectiveness.
• Marital status significantly affected active cognitive coping and avoidance coping.
• Adherence to a religious belief system significantly affected avoidance coping.

Conclusions:

• Demographic variables are important moderators of coping effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Understanding these demographic influences can refine patient support strategies.
• The findings highlight the need to consider individual patient characteristics when addressing psychological distress.