title: Downward comparison and coping with serious medical problems.
abstract: 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.
authors: University of Connecticut Health Center.
authors: Glenn
authors: G
authors: Affleck
authors: University of Connecticut Health Center.
authors: Howard
authors: H
authors: Tennen
authors: University of Connecticut Health Center.
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Pfeiffer
authors: University of Connecticut Health Center.
authors: Judith
authors: J
authors: Fifield
authors: University of Connecticut Health Center.
authors: Jonelle
authors: J
authors: Rowe
mesh_terms: 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