Article Title: Social Support and Coping Strategies among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Author(s): Hana Arshad and Umm E Rubab Kazmi
Institute(s): Department of Applied Psychology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2013, Vol. 11, No.2, 7-13
Correspondence Address: Iram Fatima, Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; e-mail: iramraheel70@gmail.com; Wafa Kamran, Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; e-mail: wafakamran@gmail.com
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the social support and coping strategies in diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. A correlational research design was employed for this purpose and a sample 90 RA (males, n = 11 and females, n = 79) patients was selected from four hospitals (two private and two government) of Lahore, Pakistan. Both scales used in this study were translated by Lexicon Equivalence Method. Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) was used to assess social support and Brief Cope Inventory (BCI) to determine coping strategies. Results showed significant relationship between social support and coping strategies among RA patients. Appraisal and tangible supports were utilized by majority of RA patients while belonging support was used least. In addition, the patients of RA were most frequently engaged with religion, active coping, acceptance and positive reframing whereas denial, substance use and humor coping techniques were least occupied. Furthermore, it was also found that there were significant differences among RA patients of varying educational levels in terms of self-distraction and use of instrumental support. Moreover, there was no significant difference between early adulthood and middle adulthood RA patients in terms of tangible and appraisal support.
Key words: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Social Support, Coping Strategies.
