“If You Can’t Control the Wind, Adjust Your Sail”: Tips for Post-Pandemic Benefit Finding from Young Adults Living with Multiple Sclerosis. A Qualitative Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Michela Rimondini¹  Alberto Gajofatto¹  MariaAngela Mazzi¹  Lidia Del Piccolo¹  IsoldeMartina Busch¹  Valeria Donisi¹  Francesca Gobbin¹  Federico Schena¹  Silvia Poli¹ 

[1] Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;

关键词: benefit finding;    resilience;    pandemic;    COVID-19;    multiple sclerosis;    youth;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph18084156

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the wellbeing of people worldwide, potentially increasing maladaptive psychological responses of vulnerable populations. Although young adults with multiple sclerosis (yawMS) might be at greater risk of developing psychological distress linked to the pandemic, they might also be able to adapt to stress and find meaning in adverse life events. The aim of the present study was to explore benefit finding in response to the pandemic in a sample of yawMS. As part of a larger project, data were collected using a cross-sectional, web-based survey. Benefit finding was analysed using a qualitative thematic approach; descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to describe the sample and compare sub-groups. Out of 247 respondents with mostly relapsing-remitting MS, 199 (31.9 ± 6.97 years) reported at least one benefit. Qualitative analysis showed that during the pandemic yawMS found benefits related to three themes: personal growth, relational growth, and existential growth. No differences in benefit finding were found between age sub-groups (18–30 vs. 31–45). Participants reported a wide range of benefits, some of which seem to be specific to MS or the pandemic. Results have been transformed into tips to be introduced in clinical practice to promote resilience in yawMS through meaning making.

【 授权许可】

Unknown