The influence of personality in persons with MS

Comprehending the influence of personality traits on functional outcomes in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) can aid in tailoring interventions and support strategies. We explored how demographic variables and personality traits predicted current vocation, information processing speed, anxiety and depression symptoms, and disability level in pwMS.

We used a retrospective chart review on pwMS treated at the London (ON) MS Clinic, that assessed demographic data and personality traits. Participants were 384 (68.8 % females, mean age of 37.8, SD = 10.4) individuals with relapsing and primary progressive MS. We performed hierarchical linear regressions to predict outcomes while considering demographic variables and personality traits.

Younger age, higher education, and conscientiousness were significant predictors for better information processing speed, current vocation, depression symptoms, and disability level. Neuroticism was positively associated with anxiety and depression symptoms, while extraversion was negatively associated with depression symptoms. Women showed higher anxiety symptoms, while men showed higher depression symptoms.

Personality traits, such as neuroticism and conscientiousness, influence psychological outcomes in pwMS. Younger age and higher education are associated with better functional outcomes. Thus, when considering personality traits, future interventions should focus on those with higher neuroticism and lower scores on both extraversion and conscientiousness. Consideration of social support, coping strategies, and disease severity in future research may further enrich our understanding of MS outcomes.