Abstract EN:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic disease with no known cause or cure that typically follows an unpredictable course. RA is characterized by pain and progressive disability. We present a brief summary of the medical aspects of RA. The present work provides a comprehensive review of the literature related to the role of psychological variables in the onset and the evolution of RA. The potential role of stress is also critically discussed. Because the course of disease is unpredictable, with disease exacerbations and remissions, many RA persons exhibit the signs of learned helplessness after repeated flare-ups of their condition. Perceived ability to control some aspects of RA (self-efficacy) is correlated with a best adjustment. On the other hand, we examine the important role that coping plays in RA. We conclude that it is useful to consider the general model of health and illness that forms the basis for much health psychology research. Our aim is to determine the relationships of several psychological variables (perceived control, social support, coping) on adjustment to RA. The sample comprised 60 people with RA, who had a mean age of 57 years (range 22 to 78 years) and a mean disease duration of less 3 years. Data were collected by questionnaires (french versions): the arthritis self-efficacy scale (Lorig, 1989), the arthritis helplessness index (Nicassio & al. , 1985), the London coping with RA questionnaire (Newman, 1990). RA adjustment was assessed by objective measures of RA activity (total number of painful and inflamed joints, rheumatoid factor,. . . . ), and by the short form of the arthritis impact measurement scale 2 (french version of the aims2-sf: Guillemin & al. , 1997). Factor analyses of the french coping questionnaire clearly identified three factors: helplessness, problem focused coping, and avoidance. Avoidance predicts better emotional adjustment (15 months ago). Some lines of future researches will be also exposed.