title: Multiple sclerosis patients talking with healthcare providers about emotions.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to consider multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' experiences of talking with healthcare professionals about emotions and their emotional well-being both at the time of diagnosis and while they are living with the illness. Relationships between talking about emotions and positive outcomes were examined. The 145 respondents completed a paper-and-pencil survey, an Internet survey, or a telephone interview. Forty-four percent of respondents indicated that a healthcare provider had discussed their emotional well-being at the time of their diagnosis. Fifty-six percent of respondents reported that their healthcare professional had talked with them about their fears, sadness, and anger related to living with their illness. For those respondents who wanted to talk with their healthcare professional, doing so appeared to be associated with several positive outcomes. The small number (N = 22) of respondents who did not want to talk with a healthcare professional about emotions were also doing well on several measures. Nurses can help MS patients deal with their uncertainty and emotional challenges by being willing to inquire about emotions and emotional well-being.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Development and Family Relations at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA. whitec@ecu.edu
authors.forename: Carmel Parker
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Candyce S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007615:Kansas; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires