Structural Modeling of the Relationship between Emotional Adaptation and Mindfulness with the Mediation of Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Esrafilian, Forough; Farahani, Hojjatollah; Bagheri Sheykhangafshe, Farzin

doi:10.30473/hpj.2024.66684.5717

Document Type : Scientific Research

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

² PhD Candidate in Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30473/hpj.2024.66684.5717

Abstract

Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and potentially debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system, which comprises the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. MS disrupts the flow of information within and between the brain and body, leading to a wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms. This condition is characterized by an abnormal immune response that targets myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers, resulting in inflammation and damage. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional adaptation and mindfulness with the mediation of cognitive emotion regulation in patients with MS. Method: The method of this research was descriptive and the research design was a correlation design. The statistical population of the present study consisted of all people with MS in Tehran in 2022. For this purpose, the Iranian MS Association was referred and 300 patients were selected through voluntary and accessible sampling. To collect research data, questionnaires on emotional adaptation (Rubio et al, 2007), mindfulness (Cardaciotto et al, 2008), and, cognitive emotion regulation (Garnefski & Kraaij, 2006) were used. A unified questionnaire comprising all the scales was prepared to conduct this research. Subsequently, in coordination with the Iranian MS Society, individuals were contacted. If they volunteered and were willing to participate in the study, they were asked to visit the MS Society or MS treatment centers in Tehran to complete the questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed individually, and during the research implementation, necessary explanations regarding how to respond and the purpose of the research were provided to the patients. The research was conducted from September to December 2022. Additionally, to adhere to ethical considerations, patients were assured that the research data would be analyzed collectively. Ethical principles in writing the article were followed according to the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) code of conduct. For data analysis in this research, descriptive statistical indices (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) and inferential statistical indices (Pearson correlation coefficient, path analysis) were used via SPSS and LISREL software version 24. Results: The results obtained from this research showed that the dimensions of mind-awareness (awareness focused on the present moment and acceptance) as exogenous variables of the research on the dimensions of emotional adaptation (lack of regulation of emotional and physiological arousals, hopelessness, and wishful thinking) have both direct and indirect effects (P<0.001). These effects underscore the complex interplay between present-moment awareness, acceptance, and the emotional processes in individuals with MS. The indirect effects were mediated through various pathways, indicating that mind awareness influences emotional adaptation directly and through its impact on other intermediate variables and coping mechanisms. Conclusion: What can be concluded from the present findings is the importance of training mindfulness skills in MS patients and improving cognitive skills in emotional regulation. According to the stress perceived by these people, the more a person focuses on desires and destructive thoughts loses focus on the present, and cannot accept his illness, the course and process of the disease will undoubtedly be faster. Future research should continue to explore the benefits of mindfulness and emotional regulation training in MS patients. Longitudinal studies could provide deeper insights into how these interventions impact disease progression and quality of life over time. Additionally, research could investigate the optimal methods for delivering mindfulness training to MS patients, considering factors such as disease severity, cognitive function, and individual preferences.

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Structural Modeling of the Relationship between Emotional Adaptation and Mindfulness with the Mediation of Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

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Volume 13, Issue 49August 2024Pages 83-98

Volume 13, Issue 49
August 2024
Pages 83-98