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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
11:35
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
58.8K
Risk attitudes and risk perceptions in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Bonnie I Glanz1, Emily Greeke2, Allison LaRussa2
1Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, USA.
Summary
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) show low risk tolerance, particularly concerning health and safety. Risk attitudes and perceptions are influenced by disease duration, disability, and disease course.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Economics
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Limited understanding of risk attitudes and perceptions in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Need to explore how patients with MS assess and respond to health-related risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the spectrum of risk attitudes and perceptions in individuals with MS.
- Examine associations between risk attitudes/perceptions and demographic/clinical factors.
Main Methods:
- 223 individuals with MS completed a risk questionnaire.
- Risk attitude assessed via rating scales and standard gamble.
- Risk perception evaluated by estimating progression and treatment side effect likelihoods.
Main Results:
- Overall risk neutrality, but risk aversion regarding health/safety.
- Longer disease duration correlated with higher risk tolerance.
- Males showed greater willingness to accept life-threatening treatment risks than females.
- Higher disability/progressive course linked to expected faster disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with MS exhibit a low tolerance for risk.
- Demographic and clinical features significantly influence MS patients' risk attitudes and perceptions.
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