Exploring the Psychological Antecedent Factors of the Transition to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study

One of the most common concerns of patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS) is to delay the beginning of the secondary progressive phase. Psychological factors play a role in the exacerbation or recurrence of symptoms of the disease. The current study aimed to explore the psychological antecedent factors of the transition to secondary progressive MS.

In this qualitative study, 13 participants who were suffering from secondary progressive MS selected by the convenience sampling method in Sina hospital, Tehran, Iran. The current study was conducted based on a thematic analysis approach. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview.

The main theme, "Fundamental Mechanisms", which were included two sub-themes, "Core Beliefs" and "Personality Traits" and 10 concepts. Fundamental mechanisms are an abstract concept and this theme can bring the categories together to explain the whole results. Core beliefs sub-theme was included believe in being worthless and unlovable, believe in chance and fate, believe in a dangerous world, believe in being helpless, and self-sacrifice schema. Besides, the personality traits sub-theme was included self-devaluation, dependent personality, narcissistic personality, impulsivity, and intolerance of ambiguity.

Outcomes revealed antecedent factors of the transition to secondary progressive MS is based on core beliefs. Furthermore, personality traits are complex, inclusive, and multi-dimensional factors.