COPING PATTERN AND ADAPTATION IN MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS

A questionnaire (FKV/LIS) was used to study the coping process in 210 patients with multiple sclerosis. By cluster analysis of five coping modes, patients could be divided into two groups of approximately the same size: cluster 1 presented with higher values for ''active coping; self-affirmation; religiousness'' and lower values for ''depression'' and ''trivialization''. In cluster 2, on the other hand, values were higher for ''depression'' and ''trivialization'' whereas values were lower for ''active coping; self-affirmation; religiousness''. Patients in cluster 1 were significantly more contented with life. Mean age and mean duration of illness were higher in cluster 1, suggesting a time-dependent change in the coping process with improvement in adaptation in the course of the disease. The extent of social support was higher in cluster 1. The consequences for psychological intervention are discussed.