Psychological well‐being among people with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis: Do self‐perceptions of abilities make a difference?

Objective. Satisfaction with abilities and perceived importance of abilities are 2 factors involved in the process of self‐evaluation. We examined the role that these factors play in adjustment to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Data were collected, via telephone interview and mailed questionnaire, from 234 individuals with recently diagnosed RA. Disease severity information was obtained from participants' physicians. Results. Consistent with study hypotheses, satisfaction was associated with psychological well‐being only among those who viewed as very important the abilities being evaluated. Conclusion. These findings increase understanding of the conditions under which low levels of satisfaction are likely to be associated with psychological distress.