Multiple sclerosis - perceived control and coping - development of a scale
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Date
1998Author
Sinnakaruppan, Indrani
Metadata
Abstract
MS is a significant source of stress for many individuals. It is a chronic disease.
The onset most often is in young adulthood. There are no preventative
measures. Treatment is limited and often ineffective. For many the disease is
characterised by unpredictable periods of remission and exacerbation of
symptoms. When the 'flares' are frequent or of long duration, there is often
poor coping, including depressive symptoms and impaired quality of life.
Coping is an important component in the management of this disease.
Perception plays a major role in coping. Literature search showed no evidence
of any research on the topic of perception of coping and chronic illness. The
aim of this study is to devise an appropriate measure of perception of coping in
patients suffering from MS. The study is divided into 2 major parts. Part 1 is the devising of the scale. Part
2 is designed to establish reliability and validity of the scale. This part of the
study is also designed to investigate the effectiveness of conventional
rehabilitation programmes in altering the coping perception. For the first part
of the study 20 subjects were recruited from the MS Register kept at the Douglas
Grant Rehabilitation Unit. The second part of the study also comprised 20
subjects and these subjects were recruited when they were referred for
rehabilitation to the Unit. The validity of the Scale was attempted by using the
HAD scale, GHQ, and the COPE scale. Validation of the PCS as well as the
impact of CBT intervention were attempted with a group of chronic pain
patients. Reliability of the scale was established but not the validity. The
reasons for this are discussed.