Psychologic Comparisons Between Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Their Nonarthritic Sisters: II. Content Analysis of Interviews

Abstract

The content of semi-structured interviews with rheumatoid arthritic patients and their healthy same-sexed siblings was analyzed. Results showed clear and striking differences between patients and siblings in their self-descriptions; in the extent of their masochism, self-sacrifice, and denial of hostility; in the amount of rejection they perceived from their mothers; and in the degree of strictness they perceived from their fathers. No differences were found between the two groups either in the extent of their physical activity or in the extent to which they manifested dependency. This casts doubt on some previous findings. It was suggested that a particular personality constellation may combine with either acute or chronic stress as one etiologic factor in the development of arthritis.