Effect of Peer Support Groups on promotion of Physical Health Status in Multiple Sclerosis: Testing Reed's Self-Transcendence Theory

The Theory of Self-Transcendence proposes that individuals who face human vulnerability or mortality obtain an increased capacity for self- transcendence and its positive influence on well-being. The aim of current study was to determine the effect of Peer Support Groups on promotion of Physical Health Status in Multiple Sclerosis by Testing Reed’s Self-Transcendence Theory. Methods and Materials:This study is a before and after quasi-experimental method based on self-transcendence theory that was conducted on 33 patients with confirmed MS participated in 3 peer support groups. Eight weekly 2 hours sessions were held. Data collection tools was Physical aspect of ‘ Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Inventory’ with 78 item and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.93, ‘Self-Transcendence Scale’ (STS) with 15 item and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.68 that after modifying, it increased to 0.81. Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) with 75 items and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.80. Patients completed tools pre- and post of sessions. Data analyzed by SPSS (v.18). Illness perception can predict self-transcendence and physical health with 0.7207 effects. Also, self-transcendence can predict physical health with 0.43 effects. New finding was a direct relation between illness perception and physical health (p=0.001) that was not mentioned in Reed's Theory. Based on the results, this theory can be used in research and educational management in nursing and nursing management to improve the physical health of MS patients.