Effect of satisfaction with one's abilities on positive and negative affect among individuals with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect that self-evaluation processes have on psychologic well-being among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

The study used a longitudinal research design with 4 data collection points. Participants were 227 adults with recently diagnosed RA. Data were collected via mailed questionnaire and telephone interview. Two dimensions of psychologic well-being were assessed--positive affect and negative affect.

RESULTS

We found that, among participants who viewed the abilities being evaluated as very important, greater satisfaction at time 1 was associated with less negative affect at time 2 and time 4. Satisfaction was not associated with positive affect at any of the time points, however.

CONCLUSION

Study findings indicate that dissatisfaction with illness-related abilities can exacerbate psychologic distress. The findings also highlight the need for research examining the role that positive affect plays in adaptation to RA.