Coping strategies in relation to negative work events and accommodations in employed multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

BackgroundJob loss is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is known to exert a negative effect on quality of life. The process leading up to job loss typically includes negative work events, productivity losses and a need for accommodations. By using active coping strategies job loss may be prevented or delayed.ObjectiveOur goal was to examine negative work events and accommodations in relation to coping strategies in employed relapsing–remitting MS patients.MethodsNinety-seven MS patients (77% females; 21–59 years old) completed questionnaires concerning the patient’s work situation, coping strategies, demographics, physical, psychological and cognitive functioning. Forward binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine coping strategies and other (disease) characteristics predictive of reported negative work events and accommodations.ResultsNineteen per cent of the employed MS patients reported one or more negative work events, associated with a higher use of emotion-oriented coping and more absenteeism. Seventy-three per cent reported using one or more work accommodations, associated with a higher educational level and more presenteeism. MS patients reporting physical changes to the workplace employed more emotion-oriented coping, while flexible scheduling was associated with task-oriented coping.ConclusionEmotion-oriented and task-oriented coping strategies are associated with negative work events and the use of accommodations.

Employment of patients with multiple sclerosis: the influence of psychosocial-structural coping and context

“…On another note, though many countries have discrimination laws that are meant to protect patients against discriminating employment practices, covert and indirect encounters are still reported by MS patients within countries with these legislative structures. 29 , 30 , 32 In a hermeneutic phenomenology study conducted in Australia on why individuals with MS terminate their employment, Vickers discusses the concept of “Clayton’s choice”–“the choice you have when you do not really have a choice”. This study highlights the relational influences within a workplace and identifies that individual choices to leave work where accumulated negative experiences, such as being alienated, involuntary downgrading of duties, perceived negative attitudes or resentment from colleagues who were rostered to work more frequently as a consequence of their requested accommodation, prompt an “ugly passage out” or “being counseled out” by organizational members.…”

“… 29 – 32 In a questionnaire-based study on the association between the encounter of negative work experiences and the use of various coping strategies, reports of negative events were associated with higher use of emotion-focused coping and absenteeism. 30 The researchers attribute the higher frequency of negative work events to individuals’ focus on managing the emotions that accompany the issue, rather than the work or task-related issue itself. 30 The study also assessed the levels of physical, psychological and cognitive functioning, but the researchers suggest that coping styles may be more influential in managing workplace dynamics and encounters, more so than self-reported cognition, physical abilities, fatigue and depression.…”

“… 30 The researchers attribute the higher frequency of negative work events to individuals’ focus on managing the emotions that accompany the issue, rather than the work or task-related issue itself. 30 The study also assessed the levels of physical, psychological and cognitive functioning, but the researchers suggest that coping styles may be more influential in managing workplace dynamics and encounters, more so than self-reported cognition, physical abilities, fatigue and depression.…”

“…Active coping or behavioral engagement, as opposed to over-reliance on denial-based, evasion or behavioral disengagement, is necessary to address or mitigate the occurrence and impact of negative work events. 30 Placing a focus on the individual’s work ability rather than disability, inculcating personal persistence and higher levels of social extroversion are examples of practices that can have a positive influence on employment. 66 …”

Coping strategies: Seeking personalized care in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. A patient reported measure–coping responses inventory

“…15 To date, there are no studies in Argentina focused on coping styles adopted by PwMS and the influence these styles may have on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). There are several coping measurement instruments available, among which the "Ways of Coping Checklist", 16 "Coping with Health, Injuries and Problems Scale", 17 "Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations" 18 and "Coping Responses Inventory (CRI-A)" 8 instruments stand out. The only instruments validated in Argentina is the CRI-A and the Ways of Coping Checklist has been validated, but although the authors have not reported the procedure followed to carry out the adaptation.…”