Meaning of Self in Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Treatment and Rehabilitation

Low participation of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the therapeutic process is considered a primary area in research on the management of this condition. One of the key research directions is the role of self and self-involvement in MS patients. Clinical symptoms of MS and unpredictability of this condition may affect patients' attitude to their self and self-involvement. Self-image and self-appraisal of one's abilities to cope with the disease exert significant effects not only on patient's emotional status but also on their behavior. This assumption is consistent with the cognitive-behavioral paradigm according to which emotions and behaviors of an individual reflect specific self-interpretation, self-assessed situational context and self-perceived ability to cope with a given situation. Enforcement of self-esteem and self-efficacy may promote self-management and thus, increase patients' participation in the therapeutic process. In this paper, we briefly review recent advances in research on the role of self in treatment and rehabilitation of MS patients.