ADAPTATION MODEL FOR WOMEN WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.
Contributors: University of Florida.
Published: 1992
Number of pages: 126
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Mental Health.
Description: A conceptual model of adaptation based on the Cognitive Theory of Stress and Coping was tested through path analysis in a convenience sample of 90 women with chronic, stable multiple sclerosis (MS). Model variables, representing concepts within the theory, were derived from the literature and confirmed by four women with MS. These variables included disease disability, social support, uncertainty, spiritual well-being, self-esteem, and mastery, with mastery representing the degree of successful adaptation. Six instruments were used to measure the variables: Expanded Disability Status Scale, Perceived Social Support Inventory, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness--Community, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Mastery Scale.

Although the conceptual model accounted for 26% of the variance in mastery, it statistically failed to fit the data. Data from the model testing were used to form a reconceptualized model, which, when tested, accounted for 41% of the variance in mastery. The reconceptualized model approached but also failed to fit the data statistically.

In the reconceptualized model, disease disability had a negative effect on uncertainty. Social support negatively affected uncertainty and positively affected self-esteem and mastery. Spiritual well-being had a negative effect on uncertainty and a positive effect on social support and mastery. Self-esteem positively affected mastery. The incidences of life stresses other than disease disability had a negative effect on mastery. Spiritual well-being was found to have the greatest total positive effect on mastery when all the model variables were tested for direct and indirect effects.

The importance of conceptualizing adaptation in women with stable MS as a holistic process was shown by the findings. With further refinement the reconceptualized model offers promise as one causal explanation of adaptation in women with chronic, stable MS.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-05, Section: B, page: 2437.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, 1992.

School code: 0070.