Posttraumatic Growth and its Relationship With Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis in Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Objective:The current study aimed to explore posttraumatic growth and its relationship with cognitive emotion regulation strategies among a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Shiraz.Methods: Ninety-two patients diagnosed with MS were recruited from the multiple sclerosis society in Shiraz in 2014 using convenience sampling method. The participants completed two research questionnaires including Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Mean, standard deviation, correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis were applied to analyze the data using SPSS version 16. Results:The data showed that a majority of patients with MS experienced some degree of posttraumatic growth. The participants scored high on the appreciation of life followed by spiritual change and personal strength. With regard to cognitive emotion regulation variables, only reappraisal (P<0.002) and positive refocusing (P<0.001) significantly predicted posttraumatic growth. Conclusion:Patients who used positive refocusing and reappraisal were more likely to experience posttraumatic growth.

The relationship between posttraumatic growth and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in hemodialysis patients

“…Consistent with the current study, Aflakseir and Manafi, in patients with MS, Basak et al ., in women with breast cancer, Rahimi et al ., in patients with myocardial infarction and Heidarzadeh et al ., in cancer survivors, reported a high degree of posttraumatic growth. [ 16 19 20 21 ] Moreover, Zarin et al ., in patients with spinal cord injury and Banihashemian et al ., in patients with hepatitis B stated that posttraumatic growth was moderate-to-high. [ 1 22 ] While Dursun et al ., in Turkish University students, Ackroyd et al ., in patients with MS and Leung et al ., in cardiac patients, concluded that the degree of posttraumatic growth was low.…”

“…Consistent with the present study, Aflakseir and Manafi studying patients with MS, Banihashemian et al ., evaluating patients with hepatitis and Losiak and Nikiel, studying patients with myocardial infarction report that there was a direct and significant relationship between posttraumatic growth and CER. [ 1 16 33 ] As the results of various studies have shown, despite numerous physical, psychological, and social problems in chronic patients, exposure to these stressful events through CER can have positive psychological consequences. The use of self-report tools was one of the limitations of this study.…”

“…This scale has been used in several studies in Iran, and a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.92 was reported. [ 1 16 18 ]…”

“…Using adaptive regulation strategies leads to psychological well-being, improved relationships, improved academic and occupational performance in individuals, indicating posttraumatic growth, whereas maladaptive regulation strategies lead to depression, anxiety, and mental disorders. [ 16 ]…”

Predictors of Post-traumatic Growth in Patients With Myocardial Infarction

“…he diagnosis of a life-threatening disease such as myocardial infarction can be highly stressful and can seriously disrupt a person's mental health [1][2][3]. Stress, in addition to negative and destructive consequences can be associated with positive changes known as Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) [4]. Most people experience some degrees of PTG at least once in their life [1,3,5,6].…”