Multiple sclerosis and identity: a mixed-methods systematic review
Creators: name: Graziano, Federica
name: Calandri, Emanuela
name: Borghi, Martina
name: Giacoppo, Ilenia
name: Verdiglione, Jessica
name: Bonino, Silvia
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Microbiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Science Policy
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: FOS: Health sciences

description: This systematic review addressed the following topics: (1) psychometric measures used to evaluate the identity/self in MS patients; (2) impact of MS on the identity/self of patients; (3) relationships between the identity/self and the adjustment to MS. Five electronic databases were searched for all peer-reviewed empirical studies published up to April 2024 (PROSPERO CRD42023485972). Studies were eligible if they included MS patients and examined identity/self through quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method study design. MMAT (Mixed Method Appraisal Tool) checklist was used to assess the quality of included studies. After conducting narrative synthesis (quantitative studies) and thematic synthesis (qualitative studies), an integration was undertaken following a convergent segregated approach. Forty-three studies were included (13 quantitative, 26 qualitative, and four mixed methods). Studies used measures of “self” to refer to specific domains, and of “identity” to highlight the individual’s uniqueness and continuity of experience over time. MS causes a loss of various aspects of self (physical, working, family, and social self) and identity discontinuity. Maintaining a positive self-concept and integrating MS into one’s identity are associated with better adjustment to MS. Clinicians should consider the centrality of identity redefinition for the promotion of MS patients’ adjustment to the illness. The diverse, uncontrollable, and often invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) lead to profound changes in the individual’s sense of self and identity.Psychological support interventions for MS patients based on symptom management and/or other specific aspects should be placed in a broader framework that takes into account the issue of redefining identity given its importance for the adjustment to the illness.Healthcare professionals should provide tailored psychological interventions for MS patients that promote the integration of MS into their global self-image and ensure the continuity of their personal identity.Healthcare professionals should help MS patients to redefine their family, professional, and social roles to promote the redefinition of their identity. The diverse, uncontrollable, and often invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) lead to profound changes in the individual’s sense of self and identity. Psychological support interventions for MS patients based on symptom management and/or other specific aspects should be placed in a broader framework that takes into account the issue of redefining identity given its importance for the adjustment to the illness. Healthcare professionals should provide tailored psychological interventions for MS patients that promote the integration of MS into their global self-image and ensure the continuity of their personal identity. Healthcare professionals should help MS patients to redefine their family, professional, and social roles to promote the redefinition of their identity.