Date of Submission

2019

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cognitive distortions, social support, and/or levels of coping skills predict quality of life (QOL) for women with SLE. The total sample consisted of 62 women ranging in age from 18 to 55 years. This study was conducted online via SurveyMonkey in an effort to reach the specialized SLE female population and recruit individuals who otherwise may not have been able to participate due to limitations in mobility and/or lack of transportation. The measures consisted of the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), the WHOQOL-BREF (WHOQOL), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Brief COPE. Results revealed that 49.5% of the variability in scores on WHOQOL-BREF were attributable to differences in scores on the ICD. A test of the individual predictors revealed that only social support and coping made significant contributions to the prediction of the QOL. In other words, the linear combination of social support and coping is useful in predicting QOL. Additionally, findings demonstrated that high levels of distorted thinking were highly correlated with lower QOL.

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