Family stress and coping in rheumatoid arthritis

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Abstract
Stress and coping were examined in a sample of 30 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and their 30 spouses. Two components of stress were measured: concerns and help needs. Results showed a significant agreement between patients and spouses on total concerns. The area of greatest concern for both groups was wondering about the future. The only help need that showed a significant difference between groups was diet and nutrition. Need for information about RA was the greatest need cited by both groups. Patients used significantly more coping strategies than spouses in dealing with RA-related stressors. Overall, cognitive restructuring was used most often by both groups. The study suggests that RA patients and spouses have similar concerns and help needs, and that while families may have lived with the RA for an extended period of time, health professionals should continuously assess concerns about the future and information needs in these families. The study results also suggest that spouses may need assistance in the use of effective coping strategies.