Abstract
IntroductionPeople with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently suffer from compromised physical and psychological health, however, little is known about positive indicators of health, due to a lack of validated outcome measures. This study aims to validate a clinically relevant outcome measure of positive psychological well-being for people with RA. The first study examined the reliability and factorial validity of the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS), whilst study 2 tested the instruments convergent validity.MethodsIn study 1, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society members (N = 333; M age = 59.82 years SD = 11.00) completed a postal questionnaire. For study 2, participants (N = 106; M age = 56 years, SD = 12 years) were those recruited to a randomized control trial comparing two physical activity interventions who completed a range of health-related questionnaires.ResultsThe SVS had a high level of internal consistency (α = .93, Rho = .92). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the uni-dimensional factor structure of the questionnaire among RA patients [χ = 1327 (10), CFI = 1.0, SRMSR = .01 and RMSEA = .00 (.00 - .08)]. Support for the scales convergent validity was revealed by significant (p < .05) relationships, in expected directions, with health related quality of life (r = .59), physical function (r = .58), feelings of fatigue (r = −.70), anxiety (r = −.57) and depression (r = −.73).ConclusionsResults from two studies have provided support for the internal consistency, factorial structure and convergent validity of the Subjective Vitality Scale. Researchers and healthcare providers may employ this clinically relevant, freely available and brief assessment with the confidence that it is a valid and reliable measure of positive psychological well-being for RA patients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ISRCTN04121489. Registered 5 September 2012.
Highlights
People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently suffer from compromised physical and psychological health, little is known about positive indicators of health, due to a lack of validated outcome measures
Measuring psychological well-being The psychological well-being of patients with RA is frequently compromised [2] due to fluctuations in disease activity; a body of research exists that investigates the physical concomitants of mental health and physical function in this clinical population
RA patients recruited to an exercise intervention experienced feelings of vitality, fatigue (25.94 SD = 11.96), quality of life (0.67 SD = 0.24), physical function (0.52 SD = 0.49), low levels of anxiety (6.85 SD = 4.28), and depression (4.85 SD = 3.47)
Summary
People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently suffer from compromised physical and psychological health, little is known about positive indicators of health, due to a lack of validated outcome measures. Poorly controlled or active RA leads to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling with eventual structural damage in affected joints [1] In addition to these symptoms, RA patients commonly experience life dissatisfaction and psychological distress. This study aims to fill this gap and provide evidence regarding the validity and reliability of the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) as a measure of positive psychological well-being for use with RA patients. Measuring psychological well-being The psychological well-being of patients with RA is frequently compromised [2] due to fluctuations in disease activity; a body of research exists that investigates the physical concomitants of mental health and physical function in this clinical population. It is clear that anxiety and depression provide an important indicator of the psychological distress that RA patients experience
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