Multiple sclerosis, (MS), presents affected individuals with an uncertain future, and has broad physical and psychosocial implications for their daily functioning. This study aimed to investigate the psychological well-being of people with MS with an emphasis on positive psychological functioning. It also aimed to extend previous research that suggested reporting perceived benefits during adversity may be indicative of cognitive adaptation. Disease-related variables (mobility, fatigue) and psychosocial factors (optimism, coping) were examined to ascertain the effects of living with MS upon well-being. Well-being was determined using two general measures (The Profile of Mood States (POMS), Shacham, 1983; and the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale (PWB), Ryff & Keyes, 1995), and Mohr et al.�s (1999) MS psychosocial factors (Demoralization, Deteriorated Relationships, Benefit Finding). Participants were 154 people with MS who were recruited through the MS Societies of Victoria and Tasmania. Results showed participants reported both negative and positive consequences from their MS experiences. Higher levels of Demoralization and Deteriorated Relationships were related to decreased well-being. However, no association was found between Benefit Finding and psychological well-being. Benefit Finding was also unrelated to optimism, and the disease-related variables (mobility, fatigue). Only positive reappraisal coping was predictive of reporting of benefits which lends support to the notion that it is a coping strategy. To examine the effects of mobility the sample was divided into three groups: normal gait, mild gait problems but not using aids and those who require aids for mobility. Significant differences between the mobility groups were found on Demoralization and fatigue levels. As participants� difficulties with mobilisation increased so too did their levels of demoralisation. However, those with mild gait problems reported fatigue levels comparable with those experiencing more complex gait difficulties. No differences were found between the groups on the general psychological measures, which may indicate some form of resilience or psychological adaptation occurring. More generally, results showed that participants who were more optimistic, less fatigued, and used less of particular coping strategies (either less avoidant coping or less blaming self or others) to deal with their MS problems reported higher well-being (less demoralisation, less psychological distress and higher positive functioning). In conclusion, the use of multi-dimensional outcomes enabled a comprehensive examination of well-being and highlighted the effects of specific illness-related factors and coping strategies. As demonstrated in this study, despite the adversity of living with MS, people are able to maintain a healthy sense of self and their relationships, and report benefits from their experiences.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/216523 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Healy, Christine, Khealy@alphalink.com.au |
| Publisher | Swinburne University of Technology. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://www.swin.edu.au/), Copyright Christine Healy |
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