title: Benefit-finding among people with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan.
abstract: The realization of positive life influences resulting from the experience of chronic illness has been conceptualized as "benefit-finding". This study of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan aimed to describe the nature of benefit finding; examine its predictive social factors and evaluate its impact on mental health. A web-based questionnaire was conducted, with valid responses obtained from 364 persons aged 20-59 years. The results indicated that a majority of the participants reported engaging in some type of benefit-finding. "Developing compassion towards others" and "an appreciation of things not previously important" were the most commonly reported. The patients reporting larger emotional support networks and those performing more self-care activities reported achieving higher levels of benefit-finding. Of all the factors examined, benefit-finding was the most significant predictor of mental health. These results expand the base of knowledge regarding living with rheumatoid arthritis and offer practical suggestions for the promotion of well-being.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sociology, Graduate School of Health Sciences and Nursing, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. m_sato@med.hokudai.ac.jp
authors.forename: Miho
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: Yoshihiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yamazaki
authors.forename: Mayumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakita
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Bryce
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires