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AbstractPurposeMethodResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis systematic review addressed the following topics: (1) psychometric measures used to evaluate the identity/self in MS patients; (2) impact of MS on the identity/self of patients; (3) relationships between the identity/self and the adjustment to MS.Five electronic databases were searched for all peer-reviewed empirical studies published up to April 2024 (PROSPERO CRD42023485972). Studies were eligible if they included MS patients and examined identity/self through quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method study design. MMAT (Mixed Method Appraisal Tool) checklist was used to assess the quality of included studies. After conducting narrative synthesis (quantitative studies) and thematic synthesis (qualitative studies), an integration was undertaken following a convergent segregated approach.Forty-three studies were included (13 quantitative, 26 qualitative, and four mixed methods). Studies used measures of “self” to refer to specific domains, and of “identity” to highlight the individual’s uniqueness and continuity of experience over time. MS causes a loss of various aspects of self (physical, working, family, and social self) and identity discontinuity. Maintaining a positive self-concept and integrating MS into one’s identity are associated with better adjustment to MS.Clinicians should consider the centrality of identity redefinition for the promotion of MS patients’ adjustment to the illness.The diverse, uncontrollable, and often invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) lead to profound changes in the individual’s sense of self and identity.Psychological support interventions for MS patients based on symptom management and/or other specific aspects should be placed in a broader framework that takes into account the issue of redefining identity given its importance for the adjustment to the illness.Healthcare professionals should provide tailored psychological interventions for MS patients that promote the integration of MS into their global self-image and ensure the continuity of their personal identity.Healthcare professionals should help MS patients to redefine their family, professional, and social roles to promote the redefinition of their identity.The diverse, uncontrollable, and often invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) lead to profound changes in the individual’s sense of self and identity.Psychological support interventions for MS patients based on symptom management and/or other specific aspects should be placed in a broader framework that takes into account the issue of redefining identity given its importance for the adjustment to the illness.Healthcare professionals should provide tailored psychological interventions for MS patients that promote the integration of MS into their global self-image and ensure the continuity of their personal identity.Healthcare professionals should help MS patients to redefine their family, professional, and social roles to promote the redefinition of their identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study is focused on a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention aimed at promoting the quality of life and psychological well-being of multiple sclerosis patients. The study investigates how the group intervention promoted change among participants and fostered their adjustment to the illness. Materials and methods: The intervention involved six groups of patients (a total of 41 patients) and included four consecutive sessions and a 6-month follow-up. To explore change, verbatim transcripts of the intervention sessions were analyzed using a mixed-methods content analysis with qualitative data combined with descriptive statistics. The categories of resistance and openness to change were used to describe the process of change. Results: Resistance and openness to change coexisted during the intervention. Only in the first session did resistance prevail over openness to change; thereafter, openness to change gradually increased and stabilized over time, and openness to change was then always stronger than resistance. Conclusions: The study builds on previous research on the effectiveness of group-based psychological interventions for multiple sclerosis patients and gives methodological and clinical suggestions to health care professionals working with multiple sclerosis patients. Implications for rehabilitation: The study suggests that a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention for multiple sclerosis patients focused on the promotion of identity redefinition, a sense of coherence and self-efficacy in dealing with multiple sclerosis fosters the process of change and may be effective in promoting patients’ adjustment to their illness. Health care professionals leading group-based psychological interventions for multiple sclerosis patients should be aware that resistance and openness to change coexist in the process of change. The study suggests that the duration of the intervention is a crucial factor: a minimum of three sessions appears to be necessary for group participants to develop greater openness to change and follow-up sessions should be implemented to maintain positive changes among participants. The use of qualitative instruments to evaluate group interventions captures the complexity of processes and gives useful indications to health professionals to improve rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:The study evaluated a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention aimed at promoting the quality of life and the psychological well-being of recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (up to 3 years since the diagnosis). Method:The study involved 85 patients [59% women; mean age 37, SD = 12.3; 94% with relapsing-remitting MS; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) between 1 and 4]. A quasi-experimental study design was applied; 54 patients (intervention group) participated in five group sessions, a 6-month post-intervention and a 1-year follow-up; 31 patients (comparison group) participated in activities routinely provided to recently diagnosed MS patients. Measures of Quality of Life (SF-12), Depression (CESD-10), Affective well-being (PANAS) and Optimism (LOT-R) were assessed. Results:At the 6-month post-intervention, mental health increased in the intervention group and decreased in the comparison group, whereas negative affect decreased in the intervention group and increased in the comparison group. At the 1-year follow-up, mental health and optimism increased in the intervention group and decreased in the comparison group. Conclusions:Preliminary evidence suggests that the proposed intervention fosters the quality of life and the psychological well-being of recently diagnosed MS patients by reducing negative affect and promoting mental health and optimism, particularly in the long term.Implications for RehabilitationPreliminary evidence suggests that a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention focused on identity redefinition, sense of coherence and self-efficacy promotes the quality of life (increased mental health) and psychological well-being (decreased negative affect and increased optimism) of recently diagnosed MS patients (up to 3 years since the diagnosis).The first years following the MS diagnosis should be considered a good time for a psychological intervention aimed at promoting the patient’s adjustment to the illness.Strategies should be found to increase the participation of recently diagnosed MS patients in psychological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]