Effectiveness of mindfulness therapy in reducing rumination, perceived stress and feelings of loneliness in women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a disorder of the nervous system that causes many physical and mental changes in a person. Aim: The present study investigated the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy in improving rumination, perceived stress, and loneliness in women with multiple sclerosis. Method: This was a clinical trial with pre-tests, post-tests, and follow-ups with a control group. All women aged 20 to 40 who referred to the MS Association of Sanandaj in the spring and summer of 2019 were included in the study. We randomly divided 40 women with MS into two experimental and control groups based on available sampling. Based on available sampling, we randomly divided 40 women with MS into two experimental and control groups. Research tools included Nolen Hoeksma and Maro (1991) Rumination Response Scales, Cohen's (1983) Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and Russell et al.'s (1978) California Loneliness Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance with the help of SPSS version 24 software. Results: The findings showed that mindfulness-based therapy was effective in improving the amount of rumination, perceived stress, and loneliness in both the post-test and follow-up phases in the experimental group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Mindfulness-based therapy is an effective method in improving rumination, perceived stress, and feelings of loneliness in people with MS. It was MS, so it is suggested to be used in the treatment of people with MS.