Gratitude is positively associated with quality of life in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

Purpose/Objective: Individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience decreased quality of life (QoL), in part attributable to fatigue, depression (Benedict et al., 2005), and cognitive dysfunction (Cutajar et al., 2000). Beyond these well-established predictors, the positive trait of gratitude—attentiveness to positive features in one’s life—has predicted QoL in the context of other chronic illnesses. However, relatively little research has examined the relevance of gratitude as a contributor to QoL in MS. The purpose of the present study was (a) to test whether trait gratitude would predict QoL in MS, above and beyond known predictors (e.g., perceived and objectively assessed cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, and depression symptoms), and (b) to test whether gratitude would buffer (i.e., moderate) the effects of these predictors on QoL. Research Method/Design: This study employed a cross-sectional, single time-point design. Participants formally diagnosed with MS (N = 128) completed a short battery to assess cognitive function and self-report measures of depression, fatigue, perceived cognitive functioning, gratitude, and QoL. Results: Consistent with hypotheses, gratitude uniquely predicted higher QoL beyond other predictors. In addition, gratitude buffered the effect of objective cognitive performance on QoL as expected, but did not interact with other predictors. Conclusions/Implications: These results suggest the need for further research into gratitude as a potential source of resilience for individuals with MS.

Time-Varying Daily Gratitude-Affect Links Across the Adult Lifespan

“…This could be especially relevant in older adulthood, as the chronic disease burden is higher. Research has already established that higher dispositional gratitude is associated with better quality of life in those with multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia (Crouch et al, 2020; Toussaint et al, 2017). Future work could explore whether everyday gratitude covaries with well-being under such circumstances.…”

The experience of psychological therapies for people with multiple sclerosis: A mixed‐methods study towards a patient‐centred approach to exploring processes of change

“…Gaining a more hopeful attitude regarding their illness also aided participants to feel more positive emotions which encouraged them to use their personal resources more (Arewasikporn et al, 2018). Gratitude, hope, resilience, conscientiousness and extraversion contribute significantly to quality of life for PwMS (Crouch et al, 2020; Smedema, 2020; Smedema & Bhattarai, 2020). Similarly, participants in this study perceived MS as a gift, an awakening and a new beginning after engaging in psychological therapy.…”

Gratitude training to improve quality of life for schizophrenic family caregivers

“…A grateful individual is likely to have more stable and optimistic conditions, which may improve their quality of life. Hence, gratitude could serve as a predictor to improve individuals' quality of life (Crouch et al, 2020).…”