Interaction of asthmatics and their spouses: A preliminary study of individual differences

Abstract

Some asthmatics show evidence of airways reactivity triggered by strong emotions. Six case studies of married patients with severe asthma are reported. The videotaped interactions of the asthmatic and his/her spouse were coded for affect and behavior. Repeated measures of pulmonary function and affective state were recorded before and after two interaction tasks. Over the course of the experimental period, two patients' pulmonary function improved and four patients' deteriorated. In general, decreased pulmonary function was associated with more self-rated hostility and depression. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the intra- and interpersonal factors that are important in asthma management.

A Prospective Study of the Relationship of Mood and Stress to Pulmonary Function Among Patients with Asthma*

“…Consistent with previous research, [9,27] mood and/or stress was associated with pulmonary function in some (N ¼ 16, 50%) but not all subjects over a four-month period. Nor did all subjects who demonstrated reliable associations of PEF with mood and/or stress do so in a consistent direction.…”

Health Implications of Conflict in Close Relationships

“…First, interpersonal conflict affects pulmonary function of asthmatics. Specifically, in a small sample of asthmatic patients, four out of six individuals experienced decreased pulmonary functioning during a conflict with their spouse, with women, once again, being negatively impacted significantly more so than their husbands (Schmaling et al, 1996). Second, conflict also affects the experience of physical pain.…”

Couples coping with respiratory disorders.

“…Two studies have demonstrated that interacting with one's intimate partner in the laboratory can have significant effects on pulmonary function. Schmaling et al (1996) reviewed six case studies of couples in which one person had severe asthma. Couples discussed relationship-related topics; the person with asthma also completed measures of pulmonary function before and after the interaction tasks.…”

“…Similar interaction tasks were used to examine which task-related moods and behavior were associated with change in pulmonary function among 50 couples in which one person had mild-to-moderate asthma (Schmaling, Afari, Hops, Barnhart, 6r Buchwald, 2000). As in the Schmaling et al (1996) study, the participants with asthma measured their pulmonary function before and after the interaction tasks with their partners. Change in pulmonary function was significantly related to anxiety: Bronchoconstriction was associated with more anxiety.…”