Holly M. Chalk

Mind over matter: Cognitive – behavioral determinants of emotional distress in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract Given the high incidence and unique symptomatology of depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, the current study examined the role of cognitive and behavioral variables in predicting psychosocial adjustment in this population, in order to suggest psychotherapeutic interventions tailored specifically to MS patients. Data from 329 MS patients indicated that problem solving coping, acceptance coping, and challenge appraisals were associated with positive psychological adjustment (i.e., high life satisfaction, low depression and anxiety), whereas variables measuring disease severity (i.e., illness duration, subjective health status, and self-reported disability) were not associated with adjustment. These findings suggest that MS patients psychological outcomes are more related to controllable cognitive and behavioral factors than to the physical effects of the disease. Consequently, it is expected that interventions that target these specific coping strategies and cognitive appraisals will be effective in treating the emotional effects of MS.

Disability Self-Categorization in Emerging Adults Relationship With Self-Esteem, Perceived Esteem, Mindfulness, and Markers of Adulthood

This study examines whether self-esteem, perceived esteem, and attainment of markers of adulthood differ based on disability self-identification and mindfulness in emerging adults with disability. Given that mindfulness involves enhanced consideration of alternative perspectives, mindfulness was expected to correlate positively with self-esteem, particularly for those self-identifying as “disabled.” Emerging adults (N = 1,353) completed measures of self-esteem, perceived esteem, markers of adulthood, mindfulness, and disability status. Respondents who experience a disabling impairment but did not self-identify as disabled reported lower self-esteem and perceived esteem than those with no disability. Mindfulness was positively associated with self-esteem in all groups, with the strongest relationship in those who self-identified as disabled. Findings suggest that embracing one’s disability may be protective against the stressful effects of this marginalized identity. Clinicians should encourage individuals with disability to cultivate mindfulness skills, as they are associated with positive outcomes for this population.