This study examined the perspectives of people ageing with multiple sclerosis on the positive and negative aspects of living with this disease. Twenty-seven people with multiple sclerosis aged 55+ years were recruited from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and were interviewed twice. The first interview was semi-structured and the second involved the administration of standardised scales from the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Inventory.
The positive aspects of multiple sclerosis included social benefits, becoming a better helper, realising potential, strengthening family and discovering resources. The negative aspects included loss of mobility, symptoms, social disadvantages, uncertainty, loss of independence and control, missed opportunities and expense. Physical functioning and social support did not influence the likelihood of reporting any of these aspects of the experience. The people with higher mental health scores were more likely to report social benefits.
The findings point to the importance of a client-centred approach to therapy. They suggest that the use of semi-structured assessment processes may facilitate the identification of the disability experienced, which can be used to build on clients' strengths and positive experiences.
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