Pp. Katz et A. Neugebauer, Does satisfaction with abilities mediate the relationship between the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on valued activities and depressive symptoms?, ARTH RH ART, 45(3), 2001, pp. 263-269
Objective. Both impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on valued life activiti
es and dissatisfaction with abilities have been linked to depression among
individuals with RA. We integrated these concepts by examining the hypothes
is that satisfaction with one's abilities may explain the mechanism by whic
h the impact of RA on valued activities leads to depression.
Methods. Data were collected over 2 years (1997 and 1998) through interview
s with the University of California, San Francisco, RA panel. Analyses exam
ined whether activity impairment in 1997 predicted later (1998) dissatisfac
tion with abilities and depression.
Results. Greater impact on activities predicted dissatisfaction with abilit
ies, which in turn was associated with higher depression scores. There was
no direct relationship between activity impact and depression when satisfac
tion with abilities was considered.
Conclusion. Satisfaction with abilities mediated the relationship between t
he impact of RA on valued activities and an increase in depressive symptoms
, suggesting a need to assess not only physical decline but also individual
s' interpretation of the decline.