Comparison of the effectiveness of spirituality therapy and mindfulness on cortisol level and resiliency in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)

Chronic diseases such as MS can lead to despair, negative emotions and thoughts, and decrease the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of spirituality therapy and mindfulness training on cortisol levels and resiliency in patients with MS. The present study was a quasi-experimental and pre-test and post-test design with control group. The statistical population of this study included all patients referring to MS Association of Tehran who were selected using available sampling method and 60 patients were randomly divided into three groups. The results of covariance analysis showed that spirituality and mindfulness intervention were effective on cortisol level and resiliency (p < 0.001). Comparison results also showed that spirituality therapy had more effect on cortisol level and resiliency (p < 0.001). Both mindfulness and mindfulness methods were useful in MS patients, but spirituality had more effect on cortisol improvement and resiliency in MS patients.