Patterns of coping in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

One hundred and fifty eight outpatients were assessed on a 36 item coping questionnaire in order to examine the impact of coping on the disability and psychological well being of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. To consider the total pattern of coping strategies accepted and rejected by these individuals, the data was subjected to a cluster analysis. Hierarchical clustering techniques suggested the four group solution as optimum. Following a k means iterative solution external validity for the four groups was considered. The main findings indicate that the pattern of coping exerts a significant influence on symptom perception, disability and psychological well being. The findings are discussed in relation to two approaches to the impact of coping on chronic illness.