Date of Award

1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

First Advisor

Pamela Nickels

Second Advisor

Raphael Becvar

Third Advisor

Marilyn Patterson

Abstract

Research was conducted to determine if there was a correlation between the ability of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) to cope with their disease and several other variables which could be related to coping skills. More than two-thirds of the 98 subjects in the sample regularly attended MS support groups . The ability to cope was measured by a scale developed by Brooks & Matson (1982). The independent variables were : self-esteem factors, vulnerability to stress, depression, severity of disability, general health factors, length of illness and age. Data was statistically analyzed £or the total sample and separately by female and male. Although several of the variables were statistically significant, the predictive changes from the regression equations were small . There was also a statistical difference between the female and male means. Results of this research indicate several factors which could be responsible for helping MS persons cope with their disease; however, no single factor or factors were clearly superior. The potential difference between females and males indicates more research could be directed in this area.

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