Self-concept, illness acceptance and depressive and anxiety symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis

Kiropoulos, Litza; Ward, Natalie; Rozenblat, Vanja

doi:10.1177/1359105319871639

Cited by 18 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Despite existing evidence linking acceptance with anxiety in PwMS (Kiropoulos et al, 2021; Van Damme et al, 2016), acceptance of MS and optimism were the only nondemographic factors which did not significantly predict the variance in anxiety scores. However, examination of the findings shows how a number of modifiable factors are associated with anxiety.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 65%

Anxiety in people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods survey.

Fahy,

Maguire

2024

Rehabilitation Psychology

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Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) may have increased; however, little is known about the various factors which influenced this. We aimed to (a) identify the psychosocial modifiable associates of anxiety in PwMS in Ireland and the United Kingdom and (b) explore experiences of anxiety during the pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional survey was developed using public and patient involvement in 2021. This included measures of anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS-A]), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [MSPSS]), multiple sclerosis control self-efficacy (Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy scale [MSSE]), exercise habits (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire [GLTEQ]), MS acceptance (Acceptance of Chronic Health Conditions scale [ACHC]), and intolerance of uncertainty (Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12 [IUS-12]), with open-ended questions asking about experiences of anxiety during COVID-19. A hierarchical regression analysis investigated the extent to which anxiety could be predicted by psychosocial modifiable factors after controlling for sociodemographic factors and multiple sclerosis (MS) type, while reflective thematic analysis was used to analyze open-ended responses. Results: 287 PwMS completed the survey, with 58% reporting that their anxiety had increased during the pandemic. In order of magnitude, self-efficacy (β = −.41), intolerance of uncertainty (β = .35), social support (β = −.21), and exercise habits (β = .19) significantly predicted variance in HADS-A scores (p < .01). Themes describing sources of anxiety included personal health concerns, social concerns, and responsibilities/additional external burdens. In contrast, some PwMS reported that anxiety had decreased during COVID-19. Conclusions: While the generality of findings may be limited due to a predominately female sample of PwMS living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, results have the potential to inform the development of targeted interventions in rehabilitation psychology to reduce anxiety in this population.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 65%

Anxiety in people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods survey.

Fahy,

Maguire

2024

Rehabilitation Psychology

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“…Acceptance is defined in terms of the lived experience of people with chronic illnesses, such as acceptance of the change, the definition of the self and behavioural adaptation (Stuifbergen et al, 2008). It was shown that acceptance was a predictor of good adjustment for patients with MS (Kiropoulos et al, 2019). Concerning the psychological outcomes of acceptance, Bogart (2015) reported that the development of disability identity, that is, acceptance of the disability into the self, was related to lower depression and anxiety.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multiple sclerosis experiences of couples: Examination of patient and partner perspectives

Demirtepe-Saygılı

2021

J Health Psychol

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The study aims to investigate Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experiences of couples. Using a dyadic qualitative method, separate simultaneous interviews were conducted with 20 couples, including one partner with MS. The themes resulting from content analysis were examined in two categories: Convergent (anxiety about future, acceptance of MS and MS as an accelerator of the relationship) and divergent (sexual problems, the experience of MS symptoms, the priority of the problems and untold issues). The findings revealed shared and unique perspectives of partners in the illness process, having the potential to guide the psychosocial interventions for couples living with a chronic illness.

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“…Multiple studies have investigated the impact of MS on patients' lives, referred to as biographical disruption. For example, Individuals with MS tend to have lower overall self-concept and physical selfconcept compared to healthy individuals (19,20). They may have negative attitudes towards their social relationships, moods, intelligence, and talent (21).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multiple sclerosis and self-alienation: A study based on self and others representations

Ziaie,

Mazaheri,

Zabihzadeh

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. MS causes many changes in the lives of its patients, forcing them to renegotiate their lives. Part of these changes are related to patients' self- and others- mental representations. Despite the importance of mental representations in changes caused by or adaptation to MS, limited research has been conducted to examine the mental representations of patients with MS. Methods This study examines the mental representations that Healthy Controls (HC) and Patients with MS (PWMS) have of themselves and others, including childhood and current self-images, as well as those of their mothers, love partners, and close friends. In both groups (HC (n = 82) and PWMS (n = 82)), participants completed demographic variables as well as a modified version of the comfortable interpersonal distance (CID) task in both passive (when protagonists approached them) and active modes (when participants approach protagonists). Participants estimated the point at which they felt discomforted. Results The PWMS group preferred a significantly larger interpersonal distance than the HC group for both current self-image and love partner. There is no difference between the two groups in preferring interpersonal distance from their childhood self-image, mother, and friends. Conclusions Based on the research results, it seems that PWMS experience a kind of alienation at the level of self-mental representations. This research can be helpful in modifying MS interventions and increasing the engagement of support systems.

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Self-concept, illness acceptance and depressive and anxiety symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis

Cited by 18 publications

References 27 publications

Anxiety in people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods survey.

Anxiety in people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods survey.

Multiple sclerosis experiences of couples: Examination of patient and partner perspectives

Multiple sclerosis and self-alienation: A study based on self and others representations

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