An analysis of the relationship of character strengths and quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis

• Published in: Quality of life research 2020-05, Vol.29 (5), p.1259-1270
• Main Author: Smedema, Susan Miller
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Multiple sclerosis; Public Health; Quality of life; Quality of Life Research; Sociology
• ISSN: 0962-9343; 1573-2649
• DOI: 10.1007/s11136-019-02397-1

Purpose To examine the relationship of character strengths and quality of life (QOL) in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, this study examined the relationship of the 24 character strengths in Peterson and Seligman’s model with QOL and three negative effects of MS (disability, fatigue, and depression). It also investigated whether the three negative effects of MS mediate the relationship of each of the character strengths and QOL. Methods Six hundred and twenty-four individuals with MS completed an online survey measuring character strengths, QOL, as measured by the Leeds Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale, disability, fatigue, and depression. SPSS was used to complete the correlational analysis, and Hayes’ PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to conduct the mediation analyses. Results The strengths endorsed most frequently by the participants were honesty, kindness, and fairness. The least-endorsed strengths were self-regulation, zest, and spirituality. The strengths with the strongest association with QOL were zest, hope, and gratitude. Disability was not found to mediate any of the relationships between character strengths and QOL. Many of the character strengths were associated with QOL both directly and indirectly through fatigue and depression. Conclusions Many of the character strengths in the Peterson and Seligman model enhance QOL in persons with MS, both directly and through their influence on negative effects of MS. The results provide support for the development of character strengths interventions to impact QOL, both directly and indirectly through improvements to MS-related symptoms such as fatigue and depression.