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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
11:35
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Congruence in uncertainty between individuals with multiple sclerosis and their spouses
N M Wineman1, R A O'Brien, N R Nealon
1University of Akron, College of Nursing, Ohio 44325-3701.
Summary
Illness uncertainty negatively impacts mood and family satisfaction for both spouses. For the patient, their own perception matters most; for the well spouse, shared understanding is key.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Illness uncertainty is a significant stressor for patients and their families.
- Understanding how couples perceive and manage illness uncertainty is crucial for emotional well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate discrepancies in illness uncertainty perception between spouses.
- To determine the influence of these perceptions on emotional well-being indicators like mood and family satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 61 married couples where one spouse had multiple sclerosis.
- Assessed individual perceptions of illness uncertainty.
- Measured mood and family satisfaction as indicators of emotional well-being.
Main Results:
- Higher individual illness uncertainty correlated with lower mood and family satisfaction for both spouses.
- Patient's own perception of uncertainty was the primary driver of their family satisfaction.
- Congruence in perceived uncertainty between spouses was more critical for the well spouse's family satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Both individual and shared perceptions of illness uncertainty significantly affect marital partners' emotional well-being.
- Tailored interventions addressing individual and relational perceptions of uncertainty may improve couple's adjustment to chronic illness.
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