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Latinas with Arthritis: Effects of Illness, Role Identity, and Competence on Psychological Well-Being

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American Journal of Community Psychology

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Abstract

Tested a theoretical model on the effects of social role identity, illness intrusion, and competence on psychological well-being among 109 low-income Latinas with arthritis. All six roles studied were rated as highly important identities. Sex-role nontraditionalism was associated with less importance of the homemaker, mother, and grandmother roles. Negative affect increased as a function of intrusions into valued identities. Having important role identities contributed to feelings of competence (i.e., self-esteem and self-efficacy), which in turn, contributed to psychological well-being. Competence also mediated the effects of pain, identity, and illness intrusions on psychological well-being. Results suggest competence processes play an important role in well-being.

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Abraído-Lanza, A.F. Latinas with Arthritis: Effects of Illness, Role Identity, and Competence on Psychological Well-Being. Am J Community Psychol 25, 601–627 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024682800238

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