The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Group Therapy in Reducing Perceived Stress in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Given the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults, particularly in young people, which is associated with impaired individual, social, and emotional performance as well as neuropsychiatric problems, it is essential to address the psychological issues in these patients. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive group therapy in reducing perceived stress in patients with MS. Methods: The study used a semi-experimental research design with pre- and post-test evaluations. The study population included all the patients from Kermanshah society of MS patients. Twenty-four participants were selected using a purposeful non-random sampling. The participants were divided into experimental and control groups consisting of 12 patients each. The variables were measured using the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale. Results: The results showed that mindfulness-based cognitive group therapy approach significantly reducedperceived stress in patients with MS. Conclusions: It can be concluded that perceived stress in patients with MS can be reduced by learning and implementing mindfulness-based cognitive group therapy.