Journal
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Volume 27, Issue 2, Pages 230-238Publisher
AMER PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOC
DOI: 10.1037/0278-6133.27.2.230
Keywords
multiple sclerosis; benefit-finding; depression; optimism; positive affect
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Funding
- NCRR NIH HHS [UL1 RR025741] Funding Source: Medline
- NICHD NIH HHS [RL1 HD058295] Funding Source: Medline
- NIMH NIH HHS [R01 MH59708, R01 MH059708, R01 MH059708-06, K08 MH068257] Funding Source: Medline
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Objective: While many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience psychological problems, such as depression, benefit-finding is commonly reported. Using the Broaden-and-Build Model of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2001) and the Expectancy-Value Model of optimism (Carver & Scheier, 1998) as two related, yet, distinct conceptual frameworks, this study examined positive affect and optimism as mediators of the relationship between improved depression and enhanced benefit-finding. Design: MS patients (N = 127), who participated in a larger, randomized clinical trial comparing two types of telephone psychotherapy for depression, were assessed at baseline, midtherapy (8 weeks), end of therapy (16 weeks), and 6- and 12-month posttherapy. Main Outcome Measures: Depression was measured with a telephone administered version of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression; Positive Affect was measured with the Positive Affect Subscale from the Positive and Negative Affect Scale; Optimism was measured with the Life Orientation Test-Revised; Benefit-Finding was measured with the revised version of the Stress-Related Growth Scale. Results: Data were analyzed with multilevel random-effects models, controlling for time since MS diagnosis and type of treatment. Improved depression was associated with increased benefit-finding over time. The relationship between improved depression and benefit-finding was significantly mediated by both increased optimism and increased positive affect. Conclusion: Findings provide support to both theoretical models. Positivity appears to promote benefit-finding in MS.
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