Adolescents with Multiple Sclerosis: the moderating role of Resilience

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on quality of life of adolescents, exploring the moderating role of resilience. The major studies were focused on cognitive impairment, management of psychological distress for adolescents with MS remains understudied. The resilience construct offers insights to understand how these individuals can achieve optimal functioning. This study involves the use of the following measures: PedsQL (2004), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; BDI-II (2006), Beck-Depression Inventory II; STAI-Y (1989), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; the CYRM-28, Child and Youth Resilience Measure (Ungar, Liebenberg, 2011). Participants are 53 adolescents with MS (21M 32F, age mean 21,08, s.d. 3) attending the University General Hospital. Data shows that resilience is a predictor of HRQoL (p<.05 b=.315); other predictor are depression (b= -.526 p< .001) and anxiety (b=-.727 p<.001). Furthermore, data shows that resilience competence has a moderating effect in the relationship between depression and QoL (p< .001 LLCI= -1.0593). Resilience may have a key role in the ability to manage affective disorders MS related.