A recent study has revealed insights into how couples managing rheumatoid arthritis deal with the challenges posed by the condition, showing that those who face issues together experience reduced psychological stress and stronger relationships.
An innovative study conducted in Australia has uncovered the ways couples dealing with rheumatoid arthritis manage the difficulties of the disease, finding that those who face challenges as a team report lower levels of psychological distress and enjoy better relationships.
The research, featured in The Journal of Rheumatology, investigated the concept of dyadic coping—where partners engage in joint problem-solving, share feelings, and make mutual commitments—by gathering insights from both individuals in 163 couples.
Lead author Dr. Manasi Murthy Mittinty from the College of Medicine and Public Health states, “Dyadic coping refers to the coping process that occurs between couples when one partner faces a health challenge, which is a key factor in how well the disease is managed and the well-being of the patient.”
“This form of coping fosters a sense of unity, encouraging partners to devise collective strategies to tackle stressful situations, acting as a safeguard against the likelihood of divorce.”
“Collaborating as a unit is vital for addressing the hardships that arise when one partner has a health condition, especially rheumatoid arthritis.”
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to permanent tissue damage, progressive physical deformities, and severe pain. An estimated 18 million individuals globally have RA, including about 456,000 people in Australia.
While treatment for RA has vastly improved thanks to advancements in biologics, many patients still endure significant physical discomfort and stiffness, with roughly 35% experiencing mental health challenges such as bipolar disorder, mania, and anxiety disorders.
According to Dr. Mittinty, “Our results indicate that positive dyadic coping can reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress for patients, while also enhancing the quality of their relationships. On the other hand, negative dyadic coping can lead to increased psychological distress and poorer relationship dynamics for both individuals.”
“By exploring the relational dynamics of couples dealing with chronic illnesses, we aim to greatly enhance the quality of life for those living with rheumatoid arthritis and their partners.”
This study is a pioneering effort in Australia, examining dyadic coping from the perspectives of both RA patients and their spouses.
Participants were recruited for an online survey if they were over 18 and had been cohabitating for over a year. The survey included instruments such as the Chronic Pain Grade Scale, Dyadic Coping Inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale.
“The findings highlight the interconnected aspects of dyadic coping, emphasizing the importance of considering both partners’ views to fully understand its effects on their relationship.”
“For many years, research has primarily targeted the reduction of illness-related distress in patients and improving their outcomes. Recently, however, scholars have shifted their focus to how a spouse’s illness can influence the relationship dynamics and the well-being of the healthy partner.”
“Our results showcase the mutual nature of dyadic coping experienced by RA patients and their spouses, indicating that incorporating dyadic coping training into disease management may serve as a valuable strategy for improving both mental health outcomes and relationship quality for couples,” she adds.
