The effect of supportive-expressive therapy on hope and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of supportive-expressive therapy on the hope and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Sample and method: This was an experimental study with pre/post-test design and a control group. 32 patients selected from members of the MS Society of Tehran were selected as the sample by target sampling, and then placed into two groups of 16 (experimental and control group) through random assignment. The supportive-expressive therapy was applied to the experimental group in 12 sessions of 75 minutes each. The instruments used were Snyder et al.'s Hope Inventory and World Health Organization's Quality of Life-Brief. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between hope and quality of life in the experimental and control groups (p<0.01). Discussion: Supportive-expressive therapy is effective in increasing hope and quality of life in patients with MS. Conclusion: The results showed that supportive-expressive therapy, with its emphasis on providing support and helping patients face and deal with their disease-related stress, can help increases hope and quality of life in patients with MS.