Self-concept, illness acceptance and depressive and anxiety symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis

Little research has examined the relationship between self-concept and depressive and anxiety symptoms and whether this is moderated by illness acceptance in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Results of an online self-report survey completed by 515 individuals with multiple sclerosis revealed that self-concept was negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms with illness acceptance moderating the association such that individuals with highest self-concept and illness acceptance had the lowest levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Findings lend support to psychological interventions that focus on increasing illness acceptance and fostering positive self-concept in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Automated summary

A study of individuals with multiple sclerosis found that self-concept was negatively correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, with illness acceptance moderating the relationship. Those with the highest levels of self-concept and illness acceptance had the lowest levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, suggesting that psychological interventions focusing on increasing illness acceptance and fostering positive self-concept could be beneficial for individuals with multiple sclerosis.