In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that couples who tackle rheumatoid arthritis together experience less psychological distress and stronger relationships.
A new study led by Flinders University has unveiled critical insights into how couples manage life when faced with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), revealing that those who cope together experience reduced psychological distress and enhanced relationship quality. The findings, published in The Journal of Rheumatology, emphasize the significance of dyadic coping — where couples collaboratively address problems, gather information and share feelings.
“Dyadic coping, the process of coping that transpires between couples challenged by one partner’s illness, is an important predictor of disease adjustment and patient well-being,” lead author Manasi Murthy Mittinty, a senior lecturer at the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders, said in a news release.
Engaging in dyadic coping, according to the research, not only results in a sense of togetherness but also helps couples develop unified strategies to handle stressful events. This approach not only acts as a buffer against psychological strain but also strengthens the relationship, reducing the risk of separation or divorce.
“Working together as a couple is crucial for managing the challenges they face when one partner has an illness, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis,” Mittinty added.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects around 18 million people globally, including nearly 456,000 Australians. Despite advancements in management through biologics, many patients still battle severe physical pain, stiffness and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
“We found that supportive dyadic coping leads to lower depression, anxiety and stress for patients, as well as improved relationship quality. In contrast, negative dyadic coping increases psychological distress and reduces relationship quality for both partners,” added Mittinty.
The study is pioneering in Australia for considering the perspectives of both RA patients and their spouses, shedding light on how the illness impacts couples dynamically. The participants were required to be over 18 and cohabiting for more than a year, filling out surveys including the Chronic Pain Grade Scale, Dyadic Coping Inventory and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale.
“The results underscore the interconnected nature of dyadic coping, highlighting the need to consider both viewpoints in understanding its impact on couples,” said Mittinty.
For years, the focus of rheumatology research has been primarily on alleviating patients’ distress and improving their outcomes. However, this study adopts a broader lens, examining how a spouse’s illness affects both partners’ well-being and the relationship.
“Our findings demonstrate the reciprocal nature of dyadic coping that transpires between patients with RA and their spouses and showcases that integrating dyadic coping training in disease management may be a valuable resource for enhanced mental health outcomes and relationship quality of couples,” she added.
The study is a significant step forward in understanding how chronic disease can influence and be influenced by the dynamics of close relationships.