Developing a measure to assess identity reconstruction in patients with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Understanding patient adjustment to chronic illness is crucial.
• Identity reconstruction is a key aspect of living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• A validated quantitative measure for identity reconstruction in MS was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the theory-driven quantitative Identity Reconstruction Assessment Scales (IRAS).
• To assess the psychometric properties of the IRAS in patients with MS.
• To explore the relationship between identity reconstruction and adjustment to MS.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey design with 137 MS patients.
• Administered the IRAS along with established scales for self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, quality of life, and stigma.
• Utilized factor analysis to determine the structure of the IRAS.

Main Results:

• The IRAS demonstrated a 3-factor solution: 'sustained identity', 'reactionary identity', and 'integrated identity'.
• 'Sustained identity' scores positively correlated with quality of life, self-efficacy, and treatment adherence, and negatively with anxiety, depression, and stigma.
• 'Reactionary identity' scores correlated with increased anxiety and MS-related stigma, while 'integrated identity' associated with age and perceived disability.

Conclusions:

• The IRAS is a promising quantitative measure for assessing identity reconstruction in MS patients.
• Identity reconstruction is a significant factor in understanding adjustment to MS.
• Further validation in larger samples and diverse patient groups is recommended.