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Stress-stimulated volitional coping competencies and depression in multiple sclerosis.
J Nielsen-Prohl1, J Saliger, V Güldenberg
1Department of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Neurological Rehabilitation Center Godeshöhe, University Hospital, Bonn, Waldstrasse 2-10, D-53117 Bonn, Germany. nielsen-prohl@godeshoehe.de
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|February 27, 2013
Summary
Coping strategies like self-regulation and volitional inhibition are linked to depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Understanding these volitional competencies may help manage depressive symptoms in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease impacting quality of life.
- Depression is a common comorbidity in MS, affecting patient outcomes.
- Volitional coping mechanisms are crucial for managing stress and maintaining mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between volitional coping modes and depression in individuals with MS.
- To assess the predictive value of volitional competencies on depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 121 participants with MS.
- Utilized the Volitional Components Questionnaire (VCQ-S) to measure volitional competencies.
- Employed the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to assess depression.
- Controlled for demographic and clinical variables like age, gender, education, EDSS, disease duration, and MFIS.
Main Results:
- Daily stress, self-regulation, fatigue, and education explained 68% of the variance in depression.
- For participants with elevated depression scores, volitional inhibition emerged as a significant predictor.
- Specific VCQ-S scales, including stimulation of self-access and volitional inhibition, were identified as key predictors of depression.
Conclusions:
- Volitional coping competencies, particularly those related to inhibition and self-regulation, are relevant to depressive mood in MS.
- Further longitudinal research with objective measures and MS-specific stressors is recommended to elucidate these relationships.
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