Arthritis: Psychosocial Aspects

Within the past century, scientific and medical advancements have been successful in preserving physical health and preventing and treating acute, infectious diseases (e.g., polio, tuberculosis) that negatively affected population health. These accomplishments, coupled with growth in the size and longevity of the older population, have shifted the attention of medical and public health professionals to the prevalence and incidence of chronic medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, arthritis). Research and clinical treatment now focus more specifically on the means to prevent and treat these conditions and to ameliorate their potential harmful impact on physical health and psychological functioning.

Arthritis is one of the most common nonfatal chronic diseases in the United States, and it is the leading cause of pain and physical disability, particularly among adults 65 years of age and older. Derived from the Greek words arthron (joints) and itis (inflammation), arthritis is a general term used to describe more than 100 different conditions that affect the joints and/or connective tissues (e.g., muscles, tendons). The most common of the arthritis conditions are osteoarthritis, which is a musculoskeletal disease that causes deterioration of the cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joint lining.

A number of psychosocial factors have been associated with arthritis and have a major impact on the experience of the disease. Psychosocial factors are defined as psychological, behavioral, and social processes that include beliefs, values, perceptions, culture, coping behaviors, personality indicators, and social resources and networks (e.g., social support), all of which can influence how the individual detects, interprets, and responds to the arthritis condition. Sociodemographic factors such as age and gender are also associated with variability in arthritis conditions. For example, certain age cohorts are more likely to develop specific types of arthritis conditions compared to other age groups (i.e., women 65 years of age and older are more likely to experience osteoarthritis compared to women 35 years of age and younger). Psychosocial factors account for significant variation in the physical and behavioral manifestations associated with arthritis and affect the severity and course of the medical condition. Although there are a myriad of psychosocial factors that can influence the outcome of having an arthritis condition, this entry will focus on two indicators (i.e., pain, depression) that are pertinent to physical ability and functional limitations.