ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the application of Leventha’s self-regulatory model to rheumatic disease (Leventhal et al., 1980; Leventhal et al., 1992; Leventhal & Schaefer, 1992). In recent years research in rheumatic disease has suggested that psychological factors may play an important role in mediating between the disease and its outcome. This chapter considers whether the self-regulatory model provides a useful framework for guiding research in this field. The nature of rheumatic diseases and the challenges they present are considered first followed by a discussion about application of the self-regulatory model to rheumatic disease. Next research that has investigated the role that self-regulatory processes may play in adaptation to rheumatic disease is reviewed. Finally psycho-educational interventions that have been developed for rheumatic disease are discussed and whether an understanding of self-regulatory processes could improve the design and outcome of psycho-educational interventions is considered.
