Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
Numerous amounts ofliterature has confirmed the positive correlation that exists between
exercise and psychological well-being. With the increased interest in the associated
psychological factors ofpain, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of
chronic pain on rheumatoid arthritic and osteoarthritic patients, with the overall aim of
reducing, and alleviating these factors.
The psychological factors studied were depression, effects ofthe impact ofarthritis, for
example, on the independent, physical and psychosocial aspects oftheir lives, as well as
coping. It was hypothesized that by engaging in an aquatic exercise program there would be a
reduction/alleviation ofpain, which in tum would demonstrate a reduction in the psychological
components ofpain.
Evidence was found to support the hypothesis, due to the fact that, after exposure to the
aquatic therapy program, subjects demonstrated a reduction in pain followed by a reduction in
depression, slight improvement in coping with their arthritis, and the impact of arthritis was
partially alleviated. The need for a larger sample group, as well a longer period of
investigation will be needed for future research.