The Significance of the Crippling Response to Rheumatoid Arthritis

The purpose of the study was to describe a reaction toward rheumatoid arthritis by adults newly diagnosed with the disease. The feelings and behaviors of three adults recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis were examined. Data were collected through interviews which focused on the individual\u27s feelings and beliefs about arthritis and observations of his behaviors after receiving the diagnosis. The three adults were found to react to rheumatoid arthritis by acting out the symptoms of the disease. The effect of this behavior was three individuals behaving disabled. Hence, the investigator termed the behavior the crippling response. The feelings associated with the response were found to be fear of pain and stiffness, fear of disability, lack of empathy from family and friends, and self-views of being old and disabled with arthritis. It was concluded that the crippling response was a means of coping with the physical effects of arthritis, dissipating fear, and gaining empathy. The study generated hypotheses concerning fear, empathy, and behavior. It was recommended that these hypotheses be tested and that the crippling response be further studied. It was recommended that the health care professional view the crippling response as one reaction toward rheumatoid arthritis. Nursing implications were to help the individual cope with the physical effects of the disease and to help family members empathize with each other in view of the suffering of arthritis