Social support and post-traumatic growth among a sample of arthritis patients: Analysis in light of conservation of resources theory

Jessica Sörensen,Robert Gasik,Marcin Rzeszutek

doi:10.1007/s12144-019-0131-9

Abstract

The study examined the association between social support dimensions and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among a sample of arthritis patients. In particular, we wanted to verify the mediating role of resources, as described by the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, on the aforementioned relationship. A total of 207 patients with a clinical diagnosis of arthritis were recruited to participate in the study, including 149 females and 58 males. This was a cross-sectional study, with PTG evaluated by the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and social support assessed via the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). To assess the level of subjectively possessed resources among participants, we used the COR evaluation questionnaire (COR-E). Provided support, but not received support, was positively related to the level of PTG among participants. In addition, the level of spiritual resources mediated the aforementioned relationship. The results of this contribute to the literature on the psychological aspects of arthritis. It seems that providing support may be related to positive consequences among arthritis patients, in the form of PTG, with spiritual resources being of significant value in this process.

Highlights

The study examined the association between social support dimensions and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among a sample of arthritis patients
A topic related to this phenomenon is post-traumatic growth (PTG), which occurs when an individual experiences highly challenging life events that manifest as profound transformations in several functional aspects of life, such as improved social relationships, seeking new life paths, a greater appreciation of life, openness to spirituality and awareness of personal strength (Tedeschi and Calhoun 1996, 2004)
The model performed statistical control over level of education (B = −2.75, t = −1.99, p < .05) and living in the city (B = −3.49, t = −2.59, p < .05). Both a higher level of education and living in the city were negatively related to the level of PTG

Summary

Introduction

The study examined the association between social support dimensions and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among a sample of arthritis patients. Arthritis is a chronic, debilitating and painful condition with many negative consequences and threats to patients’ physical and mental health, including shortened life expectancy and increased mortality compared to the general population (Smolen et al 2016). It can be treated as a trauma, which causes the patient to challenge the view of self and world and develop PTG (Rzeszutek et al 2017b). Availability and change in resources can help in coping with stress and are associated with certain consequences, including adaptive and positive outcomes (Banou et al 2009)

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