A multidimensional examination of resilience in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition associated with substantial physical and mental health symptoms, yet psychosocial outcomes vary widely. This variability suggests resilience may play a critical role in adaptation. This study aimed to characterize resilience in adults with MS who identified as having a disability by examining interrelations among individual- and social-level psychosocial factors.

This observational, exploratory study included 534 adults with MS who completed an online self-report survey. Measures assessed individual-level factors (affective experience, emotion regulation, coping strategies, disability identity), social-level factors (perceived social support and participation in social roles and activities), and global resilience. Analyses included bivariate correlations, confirmatory factor analyses, and hierarchical multiple regressions.

Individual-level processes accounted for the majority of variance in resilience. Greater positive affect was positively associated with higher resilience (βs = .13-.15, p < .001). Fewer difficulties in emotion regulation were strongly associated with higher resilience (β = -.27, p < .001). Adaptive coping strategies were positively associated with resilience with small effects (βs = .09-.13, p < .01). Disability identity attitudes of self-worth (β = .13, p = .002) and personal meaning (β = .07, p = .030) were also positively associated with higher resilience.

Findings support conceptualizing resilience in MS as a multidimensional, contextually embedded process. Results underscore the importance of interventions that support cultivating positive affect, emotion regulation, adaptive coping, and positive disability identity. This work informs future psychosocial intervention and rehabilitation efforts aimed at promoting quality of life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).