On the relationship between divorce and rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The hypothesis of suppressed hostility as a factor in rheumatoid arthritis is supported by the finding that rheumatoid arthritics are more liable to divorce, but put up with an unsatisfactory marriage longer than those who are free of the disease. This is more striking for males than for females.Le hypothese de supprimite hostilitate como factor in arthritis rheumatoide es supportate per le constatation que patientes de arthritis rheumatoide ha un augmentate incidentia de divorcios sed indura un dissatisfacente maritage plus longemente que subjectos sin ille morbo. Iste relation es plus marcate in mascu10s que in femininas.ARITAL STATUS is an easily measurable aspect of the social environ-

Rheumatoid arthritis: Review of psychological factors related to etiology, effects, and treatment.

“…Studies of marital status among RA patients, however, have produced conflicting results. As noted earlier, several studies have reported an increased incidence of divorce in RA patients as compared with normal controls (Cobb et al, 1959; King & Cobb, 1958). Other investigations have reported no relation between RA and divorce (Empire Rheumatism Council, 1950; Hellgren, 1969).…”

“…In addition to the negative life events previously described, high levels of marital dysfunction have emerged in several studies as significant stressors among RA patients (e.g., Cobb, Miller, & Wieland, 1959; Cobb, Schull, Harburg, & Kasl, 1969; Levitan, 1981; Medsger & Robinson, 1972; Sochet et al, 1969). Examples of marital dysfunction have included physical abuse by a spouse, divorce, and decisions to remain in negative marriages.…”

Rheumatic disease and women's health.

“…Early studies investigated rates of divorce among people with rheumatic disease. Many concluded that divorce is more prevalent among people with RA (e.g., Cobb, Miller, & Wieland, 1959), but to our knowledge no U.S. population studies support this point. Furthermore, even in the one study that did indicate higher rates of divorce, the majority of divorces preceded disease onset (Anderson, Bradley, Young, McDaniel, & Wise, 1985).…”

Health Attitudes and Behavior

“…2 Large-scale sO'cial epidemiO'IO'gical studies have investigated the relatiO'nship O'f social and psychO'IO'gical factO'rs to mental illness, heart disease,s cancer,4 and arthritis. 5 SecO'nd, psychO'sO'cial factors determine hO'W individuals and grO'ups define and react to' illness. Disease may be a medical entity, but illness is a sO'cial phenO'menO'n.…”