The Psychosocial Impact of Parental Multiple Sclerosis on Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common debilitating neurologic disease that affects mostly young women. This review provides an overview of research on the psychosocial impact of parental MS on children to inform clinicians and support people with MS considering parenthood. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PSYNDEX databases. We included quantitative and mixed-method studies assessing psychosocial outcomes of children with a parent with MS. Studies were screened for eligibility and evaluated for risk of bias. Results: We screened 608 references, assessed 72 studies in full-text, and included 28 studies in this review. Most of the studies reported on psychosocial adjustment processes, with most results suggesting negative consequences, including difficulties with mood, behavior, or social interaction. Several studies also described associations between children with a parent with MS and increased incidences of psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, some studies claimed that children with a parent with MS were not more likely to have psychosocial problems compared with children without a parent with MS. A few studies indicated probable positive effects of parental MS, eg potentially increased social competence. Other investigated outcomes were children’s coping skills, early childhood development, body image, and effects on education, and these were unaffected or only slightly affected by having a parent with MS. Conclusions: Having a parent with MS has a relevant effect on children. However, the heterogeneous nature and varying quality of the included studies limit the interpretability of these findings. Further research is needed to provide robust evidence.

Well-being among parents of youth with multiple sclerosis: a preliminary longitudinal study

“…The overall well-being of such parents is thus likely impacted, and although extensive research exists on how MS in parents affects the psychosocial and health conditions of children and adolescents (e.g., Andersen et al, 2023 ; Haker et al, 2023 ), very little research exists on how children’s MS affects parental well-being ( Uccelli et al, 2013 ; O’Mahony et al, 2019 , 2022 ). Furthermore, most of the studies that do exist are cross-sectional, despite the chronic nature of POMS and its long-term burdens, such as diminished daily functioning of the patient, financial strains, and the unpredictable progression of the disease, which are factors that could potentially diminish parental well-being ( Hebert et al, 2019 ; O’Mahony et al, 2019 ).…”

Parental Experiences in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: Insights from Quantitative Research

“…While there is an extensive body of evidence highlighting the potential impact of AOMS on families, patients' caregivers, and children [30][31][32][33][34], the experience of parents impacted by POMS remains inadequately investigated. In particular, although there is a growing focus on this subject, many studies in this area use a qualitative approach, which may inherently limit generalizability and not capture the full spectrum of experiences [17,18,[20][21][22]26].…”

Peer Victimization and Psychosocial Adjustment among Children of Parents with Physical Disabilities in China: A Comparative Study

“…Thus, the children of parents with disabilities face the risk of being neglected, which may curb their developmental trajectory (Aunos et al, 2008; He, Yan, Zhang, Wang, et al, 2020; Wade et al, 2015). Several studies have underscored vulnerabilities in parents and children with physical and mental disabilities (e.g., financial strain, inadequate services from child welfare system, difficulties in social interaction) (Duvdevany et al, 2007; Haker et al, 2022; Huus et al, 2022; Powell et al, 2022). However, evidence on mental health issues experienced by children of parents with disabilities remains limited in the Chinese context.…”