Document Type : Research articles
Authors
1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
2 Department of Special Rehabilitation and Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
3 Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education in Sombor, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
4 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Abstract
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects everyday functioning of individuals with MS, and their family dynamics. Furthermore,
MS is a chronic disease with unpredictable course imposing a stressful experience on the entire family. Changes in family functioning patterns are necessary so that they can appropriately respond to complex demands imposed by the disease.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate predictive values of family resources in the encounter with stressful life events and family
adaptation. These data are required to provide adequate family support systems.
Methods: The sample consisted of 62 people with MS. The following instruments were used: Family Adaptation Scale, Family Social
Support Index, Financial Well-Being Scale, and Family Problem Solving Communication Scale.
Results: The results of this research indicate that subjective assessment of the quality of family relationships, measures of the quality of family communication (β = 0.353, P < 0.001), and measures of perceived family social support (β = 0.272, P < 0.05) are the only
predictors of successful family adaptation.
Conclusions: The results infer that the processes essential for successful adaptation of people with MS occurs within their nuclear
family. Therefore, adaptation to accidental crisis created by MS onset can be promoted by strengthening support and communication within the nuclear family.
Keywords
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