The Relationship between Social Loneliness and Psychological Well-being in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: The Moderating Role of Self-compassion

Abstract

Introduction: Loneliness is a common experience in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which is associated with significant psychological consequences. Therefore, it is important to examine the psychological status of these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the moderating role of self-compassion in the relationship between social loneliness with psychological well-being in patients with multiple sclerosis. Method: For this descriptive-correlational study, 200 patients with MS were selected by a convenience sampling method in the years 2019-2020. Data was collected by social loneliness of Besharat MA (2018), Self-compassion Scale of Neff KD (2003), and Psychological Well-Being Scales of Ryff's (1989). The Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis (hierarchical method) were used for data analysis and data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Results: The results showed that there was a significant negative correlation between social loneliness with psychological well-being and self-compassion. There was a significant positive correlation between psychological well-being and self-compassion. On the other hand, the results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed that self-compassion moderates the relationship between social loneliness and psychological well-being. Conclusion: Findings revealed that self-compassion can protect people with MS from the negative psychological and social consequences associated with the disease. Therefore, self- compassion can be used as a factor in adapting to the disease and improving psychosocial health.