Sense of Coherence and Coping with Chronic Illness in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background. Antonovsky — the author of the concept of sense of coherence proved the existence of generalized immune resources which encourage people to fight against adversities that arise in life. The turning point, and difficult to diagnose is the chronic disease, which is multiple sclerosis. A strong sense of coherence and choosing the right style of coping with the disease allows patients to achieve optimal health.
Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the level of sense of coherence and the type of preferred styles of coping with a chronic illness in people with multiple sclerosis.
Material and methods. Examined were 35 patients who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis staying on therapyinthe Spa Railway Hospital Ltd. in Ciechocinek and its Department Off-Campus in AlexandrówKujawski. The sense of coherence was assessed using a questionnaire on orientation of living SOC-29 and the measurement of coping in stressful situations — CISS questionnaire, a Polish language version.
Results. The presented results of the study showed that the level of sense of coherence and its components based on sex did not differ significantly (p>0.05). There was no significant correlation of the level of coherence and its components with age (p>0.05). There was a significant, low correlation component of the sense of coherence, which is the resourcefulness of the level of education (p<0.05), because with the increase of education increased the level of resourcefulness/steering. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences (p>0.05) between the style of coping with stress and the two groups in terms of gender. There were no correlations between the style of coping with stress and the studied age groups (p>0.05) and education (p>0.05).
Conclusions. People with multiple sclerosis did not differ significantly between each level of sense of coherence. SOC result is not satisfactory and can provide a low level of acceptance of living with a chronic illness and adapting to it. Theobserved patients cannot be determined according to the dominant style of coping with the disease, to a similar extent they manifest all three styles. The studies have demonstrated the existing relationship between the average strength of a sense of meaningfulness and resourcefulness and the choice of coping style focused on the task. (PNN 2013; 2(5): 195–204)