Temperament and satisfaction with health status among persons with rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
Health-related quality of life is a subjective phenomenon shaped by personal attributes. Research has demonstrated links between temperament and health outcomes. Because temperament is relatively stable, it could function as a moderator of quality of life. This study examined relationships among temperament disposition and satisfaction with health status.


METHODS
The model developed by Sprangers and Schwartz was used to develop a secondary analysis of data collected in a cross-sectional, correlational study with stepwise linear regression analysis. Instruments used were MPQ (dispositions) and AMIS2 (health satisfactions).


METHODS
Two rheumatology private practices and 3 rheumatology clinics.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-three persons diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (mean age = 55.4).


RESULTS
Scores reflecting Negative Affectivity (intrapersonal orientation and perception) demonstrated significant positive correlation (r = .26-.58) with all health domain satisfaction scores (P < .001). Negative Affectivity and Positive Affectivity (interpersonal orientation) jointly predicted 8.2%-37.8% of score variance.


CONCLUSIONS
Temperament dispositions are associated with health-related satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Assessment of temperament can facilitate early identification of potential problems in the 3 quality of life domains (meaningfulness, manageability), and comprehensibility, and is useful for selecting or designing tailored interventions.
Chou
Chin-Yin
CY
School of Nursing, the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. chou0074@umn.edu
Brauer
Donna J
DJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009341:Negativism; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament