title: Adjustment to multiple sclerosis: application of a stress and coping model.
abstract: This study examined the use of a stress and coping model of adjustment to multiple sclerosis (MS). A total of 122 MS patients were interviewed and completed self-administered scales at Time 1 and 12 months later, Time 2 (n = 96). Predictors included stressful life events, illness (duration, severity, and disability), social support, appraisal (threat and control/challenge), and coping (problem focused and emotion [wishful thinking, self-blame, and avoidance] focused). Adjustment outcomes were Time 2 depression, global distress, social adjustment, and subjective health status. Results from hierarchical regression analyses indicated that after controlling for the effects of Time-1 adjustment, better Time-2 adjustment was related to less disability, greater reliance on problem-focused coping, and less reliance on emotion-focused coping. There was limited support for the stress buffering effects of coping and social support. Findings offer some support for the use of a stress and coping model of adaptation to MS.
authors.affiliation: Behaviour Research and Therapy Center, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. kenp@psy.up.edu.au
authors.forename: K I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Pakenham
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology*