The current study measured multiple aspects of the
social environment. Quality of family relationships was
assessed via measures of general family functioning and
perceived criticism from family members. These aspects
of family relationships have been associated with psychological distress, shortness of breath, and worse quality of life among patients with COPD [22–24]. It was hypothesized that better general family functioning would be associated with less uncertainty, while perceived criticism from family members would be associated with greater uncertainty. Exposure to other individuals with similar health problems was also examined. Given that AATD is a genetic condition, patients with AATD-associated COPD are likely to have a family member with AATD or COPD. Patients may also participate in support groups for individuals with AATD. Both types of exposure to “experientially similar others” [25] were expected to be
associated with less uncertainty.