Linking Personality Traits to Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis: A Longitudinal Analysis

Living with a chronic disease often involves facing many personal changes. In multiple sclerosis (MS), these changes can occur in both physical and psychological domains. Interestingly, psychological factors, including personality traits, have been suggested as potential contributors to disability progression in MS. However, longitudinal studies exploring these associations are scarce. The objective of this study is to highlight and understand long-term associations between personality and disability progression in MS using advanced statistical methods that provide a robust approach to analyzing repeated measures.

Twenty-eight people with a confirmed diagnosis of MS (Mage = 47.5 years; 19 women) were included in this longitudinal study. Personality was assessed using the NEO-Personality Inventory-3 and disability with the Expanded Disability Status Scale at two time points (mean interval of 4.2 years). Finally, Generalized Estimating Equations were performed.

Persons who displayed an increase in Neuroticism, notably in its Anxiety facet, as well as a decrease in Extraversion, particularly in its Warmth and Gregariousness facets, showed more disability increase.

These findings underscore the importance of considering personality dynamics in the management of MS and advocate for a more individualized, person-centered approach to care and research.