Abstract
The realization of positive life influences resulting from the experience of chronic illness has been conceptualized as "benefit-finding". This study of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan aimed to describe the nature of benefit finding; examine its predictive social factors and evaluate its impact on mental health. A web-based questionnaire was conducted, with valid responses obtained from 364 persons aged 20-59 years. The results indicated that a majority of the participants reported engaging in some type of benefit-finding. "Developing compassion towards others" and "an appreciation of things not previously important" were the most commonly reported. The patients reporting larger emotional support networks and those performing more self-care activities reported achieving higher levels of benefit-finding. Of all the factors examined, benefit-finding was the most significant predictor of mental health. These results expand the base of knowledge regarding living with rheumatoid arthritis and offer practical suggestions for the promotion of well-being.
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