Coping mediates the relationship between personality traits and life satisfaction in patients with rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Objective. Based on Bolger and Zuckerman's (1995) framework for studying personality in the stress process, this study investigated the influence of personality on life satisfaction and the mediating role of coping in chronic patients. Method. In a cross-sectional design, 158 patients with rheumatic diseases completed questionnaires assessing the Big-5 personality traits (BFI-10), coping (EFK) and life satisfaction (HSWBS). Data were analyzed by a complex multiple mediation analysis with the Big-5 personality traits as predictors, coping strategies as mediators and life satisfaction as outcome. Results. The analysis revealed no direct, but a number of indirect effects of the personality traits on life satisfaction through coping. Neuroticism had a negative indirect effect on life satisfaction through less problem oriented coping and more depressive coping. Additionally, extraversion, conscientiousness and agreeableness had positive indirect effects on life satisfaction through more problem oriented coping, less depressive coping and/or seeking more social integration. Implications. Patients scoring high on neuroticism are most likely to benefit from self-management trainings as they are prone to use dysfunctional coping strategies too often and functional coping strategies too seldom.