The unique contribution of character strengths to quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the 24 character strengths in Peterson and Seligman's (2004) model on quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), controlling for more commonly investigated biopsychosocial variables including resilience, social support, personality traits, depression, fatigue, and disability.

METHOD

Six hundred and 24 individuals with MS completed an online survey. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the contribution of character strengths over the control variables.

RESULTS

The character strengths variables were significantly related to quality of life, even after controlling for the other variables. Individually, appreciation for beauty, gratitude, hope, and zest all significantly contributed to quality of life. The control variables, as a group, were significantly associated with quality of life. Individually, fatigue, depression, resilience, social support from family, conscientiousness, emotional stability, extraversion, and openness all significantly contributed to quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study provide support for the development of character strengths interventions to help increase quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).