Posttraumatic growth and perceived social support among individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Only a handful of studies have examined what facilitates positive growth for individuals with MS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among adults with MS and determine whether there is a relationship between PTG and different types of perceived social support (i.e., emotional, spiritual and tangible) and social constraint.;The sample included 133 men and women with an age range from 19-70 years. Measures included the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Modified MOS Social Support Survey, the Spiritual Support Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the RAND 36-Itam Short Form Health Survey and the Social Constraints Scale. The results found that there was a moderate and positive relationship between perceived emotional, tangible and spiritual support and PTG. However, contrary to the hypothesis, there was evidence for a small positive relationship between PTG and social constraint.;The results of this investigation further awareness of the psychological impact faced by those living with MS. No past studies have investigated the relationship between tangible support and PTG. As such, this study provides groundwork for further investigation into the mechanisms involved between the two. Based on the findings, providers may consider directing patients to seek emotional and tangible support services to help them better cope with MS.