The Impcact of Personality and Social Support on Mental Health for Female Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The relationship between personality traits, social support, and mental health problems was studied in 183 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Structural equation modelling showed that instrument support was uncorrelated with mental health problems. The effect of emotional support on mental health was spurious and due to personality traits. Companionship had a direct effect on mental health in addition to partially mediating the effects of both extraversion and neuroticism. However, the total effect of social support was moderate compared to a strong influence of neuroticism. The therapeutical implications are discussed.