Psychological impact of illness downturns: a comparison of new and chronic conditions.
Older adults (N = 166) who had chronic arthritis, a chronic vision problem, new arthritis symptoms, or a new vision problem were compared with older adult controls on psychological distress and well-being. The psychological impact of new versus chronic illness stressors, and stressors associated with arthritis versus vision loss, were examined. The chronic arthritis group had the greatest psychological distress, the least well-being and the greatest self-reported pain. Results supported an additivity theory approach to chronic illness and not an anticipatory coping approach. Differences in level of pain accounted in part for elevations in distress but did not explain differences between groups in psychological well-being. Positive affect was found to be the indicator of well-being that best differentiated groups.
Erdal
K J
KJ
Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, USA. kerdal@cc.colorado.edu
Zautra
A J
AJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000523:psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011788:Quality of Life; D012803:Sick Role; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000523:psychology