Association of social support and the spouse's reaction with psychological distress in male and female patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if social support and the reaction of the spouse to the patient's pain are contributing factors to psychological distress in male and female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Physical, social, and psychological aspects of health were assessed in 97 male and 132 female patients who were living with a spouse. Differences between male and female patients were analyzed by means of analysis of covariance while controlling for age and duration of RA. In multiple regression analyses the influence of social support and reaction of the spouse concerning psychological distress was determined after age, duration of RA, and physical functioning had been controlled.

RESULTS

Criticism of the spouse significantly contributed to anxiety in male patients and to depression and anxiety in female patients. In addition, male and female patients differed in the social support resources that contributed to psychological distress. A relatively low number of friends was associated with depression in males. A relatively low level of potential support was associated with more anxiety in females.

CONCLUSION

High levels of criticism of the spouse and low levels of social support are associated with more psychological distress in male and female patients. The number of friends is a social support resource in male patients and potential emotional support a resource in female patients.