Target Coping Strategies for Interventions Aimed at Maximizing Psychosocial Adjustment in People with Multiple...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression, is common in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Individuals with MS often employ less adaptive coping mechanisms compared to healthy populations.
• Understanding coping strategies' role in psychosocial outcomes for MS patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how coping strategies predict psychosocial outcomes in people with MS.
• To examine the relationship between coping styles and levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QOL).

Main Methods:

• 107 individuals with MS completed validated questionnaires.
• Measures included the Beck Depression Inventory-II, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54, Daily Hassles Scale, and COPE inventory.

Main Results:

• Both adaptive and maladaptive coping styles predicted depression, stress frequency, trait anxiety, and mental health QOL.
• Maladaptive coping, but not adaptive coping, predicted the severity of stressful events.
• Emotional preoccupation and venting correlated with poorer outcomes, while positive reinterpretation and growth were beneficial.

Conclusions:

• Coping strategies are significant predictors of psychosocial adjustment in people with MS.
• Intervention programs should focus on specific coping strategies to improve mental health and QOL in MS patients.