Subjective Well-Being, Positive Affect, Life Satisfaction, and Happiness With Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Abstract

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may face challenges maintaining their subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, and positive emotions. This scoping review's purpose was to summarize studies on these positive psychological constructs among people with MS. Observational and interventional studies that included measures of subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, or positive affect were identified. Variables associated with these constructs were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The review included 22 observational and 10 interventional studies. Variables were categorized into each of the ICF domains. Cognitive behavior therapy was the most common intervention, with content and dosing varying widely. Subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, and positive affect are crucial components of community and individual health. The findings of this scoping review highlight the complex interplay between function, personal factors, and environmental conditions in influencing positive psychological constructs. Given the limited evidence, rehabilitation nurses should leverage their skills in delivering holistic care and adopt data-driven approaches to integrate positive psychological strategies into care plans. Further research is needed to measure and compare interventions aimed at improving these constructs and to examine the influence of personal and environmental factors among diverse MS populations.