Coping with Multiple Sclerosis Scale: Reconsideration of the Factorial Structure

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Health Sciences

Background:

• The Coping with Multiple Sclerosis Scale (CMSS) is widely used in multiple sclerosis (MS) research to assess coping strategies.
• However, psychometric validation beyond the original 2001 study is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the factor structure and construct validity of the CMSS.
• To identify potential areas for scale refinement in MS coping research.

Main Methods:

• Assessed the factor structure and construct validity of the CMSS in 453 participants with MS.
• Administered the CMSS alongside measures of MS-related disability, quality of life, anxiety, and depression.

Main Results:

• The original CMSS factor structure showed a poor fit to the data.
• An alternative seven-factor structure was identified via exploratory factor analysis, with differing item loadings.
• Relationships between the revised subscales and other measures supported construct validity.

Conclusions:

• Refinement of the CMSS is recommended, particularly for acceptance and avoidance subscales.
• The original CMSS can be used cautiously, but clinicians and researchers should be aware of limitations.
• Further research is needed to validate the revised CMSS, especially for specific coping strategies.