Author(s)

Andy Soundy^1*, Carolyn Roskell¹, Tracey Elder¹, Johnny Collett², Helen Dawes²

¹Department of Physiotherapy, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
²Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.

Purpose: The purpose of the current research was to review the lived experiences of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in order to extrapolate the psychological process of adaptation. Methods: A thematic synthesis was undertaken within 3 phases: systematic search for literature, critical appraisal of included studies and synthesis of research. Results: A total of 47 studies were included in this review, this included 1146 (812 females, 265 males, and 69 unknown) unique patients with MS (aggregated mean age: 49.3 years [30/47 studies], aggregated time with illness: 12.3 years [28/47 studies]). The critical appraisal of research illustrated that the design of the studies and the reference to reflexivity in studies were not well considered. The synthesis was able to identify a primary response of psychological adaptation as well as distinct coping strategies. A model of emotion, hope, and adjustment was identified. Conclusion: Simple processes of adaptation for people with MS can be considered by clinicians and utilised to promote mental well-being in patients. Clinicians and researchers also need to be aware of the important psychological needs of patients during interactions. Discussion and clinical implications are provided.

Qualitative, Meta-Synthesis, Adaptation, Hope, Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis

Soundy, A. , Roskell, C. , Elder, T. , Collett, J. and Dawes, H. (2016) The Psychological Processes of Adaptation and Hope in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Thematic Synthesis. Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 4, 22-47. doi: 10.4236/ojtr.2016.41003.