Benefit-finding among people with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan

The realization of positive life influences resulting from the experience of chronic illness has been conceptualized as “benefit‐finding”. This study of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan aimed to describe the nature of benefit finding; examine its predictive social factors and evaluate its impact on mental health. A web‐based questionnaire was conducted, with valid responses obtained from 364 persons aged 20–59 years. The results indicated that a majority of the participants reported engaging in some type of benefit‐finding. “Developing compassion towards others” and “an appreciation of things not previously important” were the most commonly reported. The patients reporting larger emotional support networks and those performing more self‐care activities reported achieving higher levels of benefit‐finding. Of all the factors examined, benefit‐finding was the most significant predictor of mental health. These results expand the base of knowledge regarding living with rheumatoid arthritis and offer practical suggestions for the promotion of well‐being.