To test the effects (on coping, social interactions, loneliness, functional health status, and life satisfaction) of an intervention aimed at teaching people with rheumatic diseases to cope actively with their problems.
A total of 168 patients with chronic rheumatic disorders affecting the joints were randomly assigned to a coping intervention group, a mutual support control group, or a waiting list control group. Measurements were by self-report questionnaires.
Post-intervention measurements showed that the coping intervention increased action-directed coping and functional health status, but these effects did not persist up to 6-months followup. In patients who attended at least half of the 10 sessions, the coping intervention contributed to decreased loneliness at post-intervention and to improvements in social interactions and life satisfaction at 6-months followup.
Teaching patients with rheumatic diseases to cope actively with their problems had positive impacts. Consequently it is recommended that the coping intervention be incorporated into regular care. Maintenance sessions are advisable.