Reliability and validity of the multiple sclerosis resiliency scale (MSRS)

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Resilience is crucial for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) to navigate chronic illness challenges.
• Existing resilience measures may not fully capture MS-specific coping mechanisms.
• The Multiple Sclerosis Resiliency Scale (MSRS) was developed to assess resilience tailored to the MS experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the internal reliability and construct validity of the Multiple Sclerosis Resiliency Scale (MSRS).
• To compare the MSRS with a widely used global resilience measure, the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRS).
• To assess the MSRS's ability to differentiate resilience levels in individuals with MS.

Main Methods:

• 216 community-dwelling adults with MS completed the MSRS, CDRS, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and symptom checklists.
• Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α).
• Construct validity was examined through correlations with disability, disease duration, MS subtype, stress, and mood symptoms, and by comparing MSRS scores with CDRS quartiles.

Main Results:

• The MSRS demonstrated good internal consistency (αs 0.74–0.91) and divergent validity with MS-specific factors.
• MSRS scores correlated moderately with the CDRS, PSS, and mood symptoms, indicating shared and distinct variance.
• The MSRS showed fair to good accuracy in identifying high and low resilience groups based on CDRS, but classification differed.

Conclusions:

• The MSRS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring resilience specific to challenges faced by individuals with MS.
• While the MSRS captures MS-specific resilience, a global resilience measure might be necessary for comprehensive assessment in certain clinical or research settings.
• Further research may explore the MSRS's utility across diverse MS populations and its impact on treatment outcomes.