The mediating role of ego-strength on the relationship between attachment styles and adjustment to multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Identifying variables which have an impact on adjustment to multiple sclerosis (MS) is of utmost importance and understanding the functions of these variables is essential for helping patients with MS. Aims: The purpose of the present study was to examine the mediating role of ego-strength on the relationship between attachment styles and adjustment to multiple sclerosis. Method: Method of the present descriptive study was correlational. All participants (91 women, 29 men) were asked to complete Adult Attachment Inventory (AAI; Besharat, 2011, 2013), Ego-Strength Scale (EES; Besharat, 2007, 2016), and Adjustment to Illness Scale (AIS; Besharat, 2010, 2011). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis was used for testing hypothetical model of the study. Results: The results showed that: (a) secure attachment style was positively correlated with adjustment to multiple sclerosis (p<0/001); (b) insecure attachment styles including avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles were negatively correlated with adjustment to multiple sclerosis (p<0/001); (c) ego-strength was positively correlated with adjustment to multiple sclerosis (p<0/001); (d) secure attachment style was positively correlated with ego-strength (p<0/001); (e) insecure attachment styles including avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles were negatively correlated with ego-strength (p<0/001); (f) the relationship between attachment styles and adjustment to multiple sclerosis was mediated by ego-strength. Conclusions: Considering these factors can have some implications for the experts to promote quality of life and increase adjustment to multiple sclerosis

Keywords

• multiple sclerosis (ms)
• ego-strength
• attachment
• adjustment