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Coping as a resource to allow for psychosocial adjustment in fatal disease: results from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Authors :
Finsel, Julia
Rosenbohm, Angela
Peter, Raphael S.
Bäzner, Hansjörg
Börtlein, Axel
Dempewolf, Silke
Schabet, Martin
Hecht, Martin
Kohler, Andreas
Opherk, Christian
Nägele, Andrea
Sommer, Norbert
Lindner, Alfred
Rothenbacher, Dietrich
Ludolph, Albert C.
Nagel, Gabriele
Lulé, Dorothée E.
Source :
Frontiers in Psychology; 2024, p1-11, 11p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disorder, which imposes a severe emotional burden on patients. Appropriate copingmechanisms may alleviate this burden and facilitate wellbeing, with social support known to be a successful coping strategy. This observational study aimed to determine the interplay of general coping traits of hope for success and fear of failure, coping behavior of social activity, and patients' wellbeing. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with ALS from a clinical-epidemiological registry in Southwestern Germany were interviewed regarding coping traits (achievement-motivated behavior: hope for success and fear of failure), coping behavior of social activity, and psychosocial adjustment, determined using measures of depressiveness, anxiety [both measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], and quality of life [Anamnestic Comparative Self-Assessment (ACSA)]. Demographics, clinical [ALS Functional Rating Scale revised version (ALSFRS-R)], and survival data were recorded. Results: A total of 868 patients [60.70% male patients, mean age: 64.70 (±10.83) years, mean ALSFRS-R: 37.36 ± 7.07] were interviewed. Anxiety in patients was found to be associated with a high fear of failure. In contrast, a generally positive attitude in patients exemplified in high hopes for success was associated with better wellbeing. Finally, coping behavior of social activity explained up to 65% of the variance of depressiveness among the patients with ALS. Conclusion: In this study, we present evidence that the wellbeing of patients with ALS is not an immediate fatalistic consequence of physical degradation but rather determined by coping traits and behavior, which may be trained to substantially increase the wellbeing of patients with ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16641078
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Frontiers in Psychology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176772990
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1361767