‘I want to be with you, but I have MS’: Challenges of interpersonal relationships from the MS patients’ point of view

Abstract

Interpersonal relationships play an important role in adjustment to disease, coping and improving life quality after onset of Multiple sclerosis (MS). However, considering its specific nature, MS has a considerable effect on interpersonal relationships. Thus, this study was conducted to identify and describe effects of disease on interpersonal relationships through investigating lived experiences of patients. In this research, a total of 24 MS patients were selected through purposive sampling from individuals referred to the MS Clinic of Kashani Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, during 2016–2017, and then in‐depth interviews were done with participants. After analysing interviews by Giorgi Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Method, five main themes were obtained including ‘Who is guilty?’, ‘The need for informed care’, ‘living with a secret’, ‘Change in relationships’ and ‘The Reality slap’. Content of experience for some of these themes was more influenced by nature of the disease, whereas some other themes were influenced more by patient's cultural context.

Dating with a Diagnosis: The Lived Experience of People with Multiple Sclerosis

“…This method of proactive disclosure has also been reported as a way of "weeding out those who aren't mentally or emotionally equipped to date someone with a disability" [29, p 8]. Also, in the current study, people expressed that having MS did not mean that they had to now change their standards or settle for less, which is in contrast to a similar Iranian study [10].…”

“…The importance of healthy communication was emphasized to facilitate understanding of the condition and develop strategies to overcome such obstacles. The impact of physical symptoms on relationships is commonly reported [10] and in the current study the understanding between the couple was emphasized as a strategy to facilitate coping with the day-to-day uncertainties. This is especially important considering previous research indicating that people with MS have been found to bring considerable psychological burden into their relationships [36].…”

“…A recent Iranian study illustrated that an MS diagnosis can create a fear of separation or rejection from long-term romantic partners [10]. Individuals also described the impact of physical and psychological changes on their relationships such as reduced intimacy with their partners or behavioral changes, for example increased irritability toward their partner.…”

“…MS usually manifests during early adulthood, between the ages of 20-40 years. This is a critical period for the development and maintenance of romantic relationships through dating [8,10]. Dating can be defined as "the process of finding a romantic partner(s), which might involve many meaningful activities such as: dressing, social activities, online dating, meeting someone for coffee etc."…”

“…Research to date has shown that the diagnosis and symptoms of MS can impact family relationships, marriage, and long-term relationships [9,10]. However, very little is known about the experiences of people with MS as they partake in the occupations associated with dating and form or maintain romantic relationships [10]. This study is being carried out in response to the lack of research around this phenomenon to elicit valuable insights.…”