Relations between acceptance of multiple sclerosis and positive and negative adjustments
Abstract
This study examines relations between acceptance as defined in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and adjustment to multiple sclerosis (MS). A first step in this investigation was the development of a measure of acceptance of MS called the MS Acceptance Questionnaire (MSAQ). Consistent with prior findings and theoretical propositions, it was predicted that acceptance would be associated with better adjustment to MS (lower distress and higher positive affect, life satisfaction and marital adjustment and better health). A total of 128 persons with MS completed measures of demographics, illness and adjustment at Time 1 and measures of acceptance and adjustment 12 months later (Time 2). Factor analyses of the MSAQ revealed two factors, action and willingness. Associations between the MSAQ and other validated acceptance measures supported convergent validity. As predicted, after controlling for the effects of initial adjustment and relevant demographic and illness variables, greater acceptance was related to better adjustment, although the action factor emerged as the strongest predictor of better adjustment. This is the first study to examine the role of acceptance (as defined in ACT) in adjusting to MS over time and as such provides a first step for further investigation of acceptance in MS.
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Negative associations exist between illness acceptance and measures of depression and anxiety in those with MS.
“From the research available, negative associations have been found between illness acceptance and measures of depression and anxiety in those with MS (Pakenham and Fleming, 2011;Wright and Kiropoulos, 2017), suggesting that it can be a factor that can be targeted in interventions for depression and anxiety for this group.”
From Self-concept, illness acceptance and depressive and anxiety symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis. (2021) · cites this paper as Pakenham and Fleming, 2011
There is emerging preliminary evidence that ACT might have advantages over conventional CBT through improved engagement, retention and durability of effects.
“there is emerging preliminary evidence that ACT might have advantages over conventional CBT through improved engagement, retention and durability of effects [31–34].”
Greater levels of acceptance have been found to be related to improved adjustment and quality of life.
“Greater levels of acceptance have been found to be related to improved adjustment and quality of life (Pakenham & Fleming, Citation2011).”
From The feasibility and acceptability of a single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention to support women self-reporting fear of childbirth in a first pregnancy. (2023) · cites this paper as Pakenham & Fleming, 2011
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“Greater levels of acceptance have been found to be related to improved adjustment and quality of life (Pakenham & Fleming, 2011).”
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- Authors
- Pakenham, K. I., & Fleming, M.
- Affiliations
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Pakenham, Kenneth Ian
- Venue
- Psychology & Health
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2011-10
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 1292-1309
- ISSN
- 0887-0446 (ISSN-L)
- 1476-8321
- OpenAlex
- W2075172612
- Cited by
- 70
- References
- 60
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 10 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 2.76
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Psychology and Health (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Multiple Sclerosis Australia
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
- Keywords
- multiple sclerosis, acceptance, acceptance and commitment therapy, adaptation to chronic illness, distress, positive affect, life satisfaction, marital adjustment, health outcomes, psychometric validation
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Adult, Australia, Child, Female, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Marriage, Middle Aged, Multiple Sclerosis, Parents, Personal Satisfaction, Surveys and Questionnaires, Reproducibility of Results, Principal Component Analysis
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