Temperament and satisfaction with health status among persons with rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE: Health-related quality of life is a subjective phenomenon shaped by personal attributes. Research has demonstrated links between temperament and health outcomes. Because temperament is relatively stable, it could function as a moderator of quality of life. This study examined relationships among temperament disposition and satisfaction with health status. DESIGN: The model developed by Sprangers and Schwartz was used to develop a secondary analysis of data collected in a cross-sectional, correlational study with stepwise linear regression analysis. Instruments used were MPQ (dispositions) and AMIS2 (health satisfactions). SETTING: Two rheumatology private practices and 3 rheumatology clinics. SAMPLE: One hundred fifty-three persons diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (mean age = 55.4). FINDINGS: Scores reflecting Negative Affectivity (intrapersonal orientation and perception) demonstrated significant positive correlation (r = .26-.58) with all health domain satisfaction scores (P < .001). Negative Affectivity and Positive Affectivity (interpersonal orientation) jointly predicted 8.2%-37.8% of score variance. CONCLUSION: Temperament dispositions are associated with health-related satisfaction. IMPLICATION: Assessment of temperament can facilitate early identification of potential problems in the 3 quality of life domains (meaningfulness, manageability), and comprehensibility, and is useful for selecting or designing tailored interventions.