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).
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.
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.
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.