Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of dyadic dynamics

Background Multiple sclerosis, a chronic degenerative disease, impacts persons with the disease and their caregivers, usually the spouse. Few studies have considered the dyadic adjustment to the disease, and even fewer have considered the type of multiple sclerosis. This study aimed to explore the experiences and strategies of couples in which one spouse had relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis using dyadic interpretative phenomenological analysis. Methods Six couples agreed to participate in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with both spouses together to observe their interactions. Results Three higher-order themes emerged from the analyses. First, "each is stuck in its own bubble" represents a situation in which each spouse fights on his or her own side to avoid the disease or to avoid the suffering associated with it. Second, "the breakdown of communication" highlights disconnected emotional communication that protects each person but weakens the couple. Third, "the alienated couple" indicates that the two spouses are both emotionally distant and physically united, which prevents them from talking about difficult things. Conclusion These results demonstrate the importance of supporting the couple before avoidance strategies for fighting the disease are put in place and become entrenched.