Downward comparison and coping with serious medical problems.
Correlates of selective comparisons by mothers of high-risk infants and individuals with rheumatoid arthritis showed that mothers were especially likely to make downward comparisons. Arthritis patients making downward comparisons were rated by their health care providers as more positively adjusted, independent of actual severity of illness. Implications for support providers are discussed.
Affleck
Glenn
G
University of Connecticut Health Center.
Tennen
Howard
H
University of Connecticut Health Center.
Pfeiffer
Carol
C
University of Connecticut Health Center.
Fifield
Judith
J
University of Connecticut Health Center.
Rowe
Jonelle
J
University of Connecticut Health Center.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D011379:Prognosis; D012803:Sick Role