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The psychological impact of the unpredictability of multiple sclerosis: a qualitative literature meta-synthesis
Open accessAbstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition characterised by an unpredictable nature. This characteristic is reported to be the largest challenge for individuals with the condition. Chronic illness literature highlights the psychological impact of unpredictability, but there is a paucity of research examining this concept in MS. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to explore the psychological impact of unpredictability in MS. Methods: A meta-synthesis was conducted. A total of 6 studies with 59 participants were reviewed and critically appraised. Themes relating to the psychological impact of unpredictability were extracted and synthesised. Results: A preliminary model of the unpredictability of MS was developed highlighting the different psychological impacts of diagnosis, remission and relapse. Conclusions: The psychological impact of unpredictability alters through diagnosis, remission and relapse. Further research is required to explore the experience of unpredictability in MS.
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Theoretical models of adjustment in MS were based on research mainly including people with relapsing-remitting MS or mixed samples, so the relevance of all predicting factors to people with progressive MS is not clear.
“These models were based on research that mainly included people with relapsing-remitting MS or mixed samples of the MS population, so the relevance of all the predicting factors to people with progressive MS who may face different challenges and symptoms is not clear.”
From Key demographics and psychological skills associated with adjustment to progressive Multiple Sclerosis early in the diagnosis (2022) · cites this paper as [10]
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Metadata
- Authors
- Wilkinson, H. R., & Nair, R. D.
- Affiliations
- University of Lincoln (GB)
- University of Nottingham (GB)
- Venue
- British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing
- Publisher
- Mark Allen Group
- Published
- 2013-08
- Volume
- 9
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 172-178
- ISSN
- 1747-0307 (ISSN-L)
- 2052-2800
- OpenAlex
- W2028762953
- Cited by
- 38
- References
- 28
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 3
- FWCI
- 1.75
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- doi.org
- Licence
- other-oa
- Locations
- British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (publishedVersion)
- Repository@Nottingham (University of Nottingham) (acceptedVersion, other-oa)
- Repository@Nottingham (University of Nottingham) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Clinical Neurology › Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
- Keywords
- multiple sclerosis, unpredictability, psychological impact, chronic disease, diagnosis, remission, relapse, lived experience
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