title: Effects of change in arthritis severity on spouse well-being: The moderating role of relationship closeness.
abstract: The severity of a patient's illness may be detrimental for the psychological well-being of the spouse, especially for those in a particularly close relationship. Using 2 waves of data collected from a sample of 152 knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and their spouses, we examined associations between change in patients' illness severity and change in 3 indicators of spouses' well-being (positive affect, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction) over a 6-month period. We also tested the hypothesis that spouses' perceived relationship closeness with the patient would moderate these associations. Consistent with our prediction, a high level of relationship closeness exacerbated the negative impact of increases in patient illness severity on spouses' positive affect and depressive symptoms over 6 months. Spouses' life satisfaction declined when patients became more ill, regardless of level of relationship closeness. Our findings highlight the value of examining change in illness as a predictor of change in spouse well-being and the potential downside of relationship closeness for couples living with chronic illness.
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Courtney A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Polenick
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Lynn M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Martire
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Rachel C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hemphill
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Kent State University.
authors.forename: Mary Ann Parris
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Stephens
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology*; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*