Alexithymia and Coping With Stress in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Comparative Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS), which is frequently seen in young adults, affects mental health because of disease symptoms and cognitive disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the presence of alexithymia and problem-or emotion-focused coping strategies with stress in MS patients, determine the relationship between these variables, and compare the results of MS patients with those of healthy individuals. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional, and comparative study was carried out with the participation of 120 MS patients presenting to a neurology clinic and outpatient clinic of a university hospital and 120 healthy individuals. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Ways of Coping Scale. RESULTS: The 40.8% rate of alexithymia in the MS patients was higher than that in the healthy individuals (21.7%). Compared with healthy individuals, MS patients use emotion-focused coping methods, such as a lack of self-confidence approach and a submissive approach, more frequently ( P < .05). A significant negative correlation was found between the alexithymia and problem-focused coping strategies of MS patients ( P < .01). CONCLUSION: Alexithymia is more common in MS patients than in healthy individuals. Alexithymia negatively affects the methods patients use to cope with stress. In the treatment and care of MS patients, nurses should plan interventions for the ability of these patients to recognize and express their emotions and develop positive coping methods.

Mentalizing self mind but not others: Self‐reported mentalization difficulties in multiple sclerosis

“…Conversely, in another study, Bodini et al (2008) reported a lower prevalence of 13.8% in Italian patients with MS (Bodini et al, 2008). Recent studies conducted with Turkish populations have found that the rate of alexithymia in MS patients can range from 24.2% to 40.8% (e.g., (Seren et al, 2022;Yilmaz et al, 2023). In the present study, the wide range in the prevalence of alexithymia may have prevented us from finding a significant difference in MentS-S. As discussed in the literature, these discrepancies could be attributed to differences in the clinical characteristics of the samples, cultural differences, or other unknown factors (Chahraoui et al, 2014).…”

“…(2008) reported a lower prevalence of 13.8% in Italian patients with MS (Bodini et al., 2008). Recent studies conducted with Turkish populations have found that the rate of alexithymia in MS patients can range from 24.2% to 40.8% (e.g., (Seren et al., 2022; Yilmaz et al., 2023). In the present study, the wide range in the prevalence of alexithymia may have prevented us from finding a significant difference in MentS‐S.…”

A new framework for understanding stress and disease: the developmental model of stress as applied to multiple sclerosis

“…Alexithymia can also represent an attempt to “freeze” or deny emotions in an attempt to reduce emotional distress ( Chahraoui et al, 2015 ). People with MS and alexithymia tend to use negative coping mechanisms, resorting to self-denial and submission strategies rather than more problem-focused strategies ( Yilmaz et al, 2023 ). This is related to the tend-and-befriend stress response, used in the hope that tending to others’ need will reduce their own distress ( Taylor et al, 2000 ).…”

Alexithymia and negative emotions among nursing students: a moderated mediation model

“…Research has showed that people with narrative disorders often misinterpret others' emotions and fail to respond appropriately, causing social difficulties [8]. Moreover, alexithymia adversely affects patients' stress-management methods [9]. Those who can sensitise, express, and adjust their emotions effectively are more successful in handling stress and emotional experiences [10].…”