Coping with multiple sclerosis from the perspective of Stevan E. Hobfoll's theory of conservation of resources

BackgroundPeople suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) vary in their emotional, social, cognitive, and professional functioning. An attempt was therefore made at an in-depth analysis of MS patients’ coping with their chronic disease.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate possible differences in the ways two groups of MS patients cope with the chronic disease.MethodsThe research sample consisted of 82 patients with multiple sclerosis. Based on S.E. Hobfoll's conservation of resources theory, two groups of MS patients were distinguished, one experiencing resource gains, and the other – resource losses. Coping strategies were measured using the Proactive Coping Inventory (PCI), and the dynamics of conservation of resources – the COR – Evaluation scale in the Polish adaptation.ResultsSuch coping strategies as Emotional Support Seeking (t = 2.081, p = 0.041) and Instrumental Support Seeking (t = 2.364, p = 0.021) turned out to differentiate between MS patients with resource gains and those experiencing resource losses.ConclusionsThe dynamics of resources in MS patients may prove significant in explaining the process of coping with chronic disease.