Intimate relationship quality, self-concept and illness acceptance in those with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Lower levels of Intimate Relationship Quality (IRQ) have been found in those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) compared to the general population. This study examined an MS sample to see whether IRQ was positively associated with self-concept, whether IRQ was positively associated with MS illness acceptance and whether IRQ was predicted by self-concept and illness acceptance. In this cross-sectional study, 115 participants with MS who were in an intimate relationship completed an online survey advertised on MS related websites. The survey assessed demographic variables, MS illness variables and levels of IRQ, self-concept and illness acceptance. Results revealed that IRQ was significantly positively associated with self-concept and with illness acceptance. Multiple hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that, after controlling for illness duration and level of disability, self-concept significantly predicted IRQ but illness acceptance did not significantly predict IRQ. This study addressed several gaps and methodological flaws in the literature and was the first known to assess predictors of IRQ in those with MS. The results suggest that self-concept could be a potential target for individual and couple psychological interventions to improve IRQ and contribute to improved outcomes for those with MS.

Keywords:

• Intimate relationship quality
• self-concept
• illness acceptance
• multiple sclerosis

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge MS Australia, Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia, Kiss Goodbye to MS, Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis, CCSVI Australia, Shift MS, and Multiple Sclerosis Foundation for their assistance in advertising the present study and the participants for taking part in the study.