PAIRS Study
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PAIRS Study
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The purpose of this study was to examine communication, support and coping in married couples where one spouse has vasculitis, lupus, or a related condition. This study examined the different ways couples communicate with one another, and how this was related to coping with vasculitis or lupus.
What did we learn?
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We hoped to gain a better understanding of how communication and support affect coping when one spouse has a chronic condition. To date, we have presented the following abstracts at professional conferences:
Lewis, M.A., Thorpe, C.T., Sterba, K.R., Miller, D.L. & DeVellis, R.F. (2007, March). Accommodation & Psychological Adjustment in Couples Managing Chronic Illness. Paper presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Washington, DC.
Miller, D.L., Lewis, M.A., Thorpe, C.T., DeVellis, R.F. (2007, March). Quality of life differences among male and female vasculitis patients and their spouses: Findings from the PAIRS study. Poster to be presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Washington, DC.
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Who Participated?
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We interviewed over 130 married couples for this study. Participants were mostly from the Southeastern U.S., but we also interviewed Midwestern couples.
What was Involved?
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In this study, participants were asked to complete three sets of mailed surveys at home. They were also asked to complete two separate in-person interviews. The interviews were conducted at several locations, including UNC-Chapel Hill and other satellite offices in the Southeast and Midwest. Couples who completed the study received $150 for their participation.