Adjusting to multiple sclerosis: An exploratory study

Abstract

This study researches a relatively large sample ( N = 174) of multiple sclerosis patients. Demographic, health related, and adjustment variables are examined. Most importantly, a self-concept instrument is used as a key indicator of the adjustment process. The vast majority of patients manifest positive self-concepts (they do not differ significantly from a small non-multiple sclerosis control group) in the face of physical adversity. The “successful adjustment” to the disease is of greatest interest, and an adjustment model is presented.