Volume 25, Issue 1 (11-2026)
Toloo-e behdasht 2026, 25(1): 53-72 |
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sarafraz M, Askari Z. Structural Modeling of Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Based on Stigma, illness perception and Perceived Social Support: The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress. Toloo-e behdasht 2026; 25 (1) :53-72
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3875-en.html
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3875-en.html
, zahraa.askari76@gmail.com
Abstract: (89 Views)
Introduction: The present study aimed to examine a structural model of quality of life in patients with MS based on stigma, illness perception, and perceived social support, with psychological distress as a mediating variable.
Methods: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of patients with MS residing in Shiraz, Iran, in the spring of 2025. A total of 279 patients were recruited using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale developed by Hobart et al. (2001), the MS Stigma Scale developed by Eldridge-Smith et al. (2021), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire developed by Broadbent et al. (2006), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support developed by Zimet et al. (1988), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales developed by Lovibond and Lovibond (1995). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling in SPSS version 23 and SmartPLS version 4.
Results: The structural model of quality of life demonstrated satisfactory model fit, and the direct and indirect paths were statistically significant (P<0,05). Psychological distress significantly mediated the relationship between social stigma and quality of life (β=−0,205, t=2/405, p=0,016). Furthermore, the indirect effect of illness perception on quality of life through psychological distress was statistically significant (β=0,535, t=2,287, p=0,022).
Conclusion: Quality of life in patients with MS is associated with the interplay of cognitive, social, and psychological factors. Considering these factors simultaneously may help explain variations in quality of life and inform the development of multidimensional, patient-centered interventions.
Methods: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of patients with MS residing in Shiraz, Iran, in the spring of 2025. A total of 279 patients were recruited using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale developed by Hobart et al. (2001), the MS Stigma Scale developed by Eldridge-Smith et al. (2021), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire developed by Broadbent et al. (2006), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support developed by Zimet et al. (1988), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales developed by Lovibond and Lovibond (1995). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling in SPSS version 23 and SmartPLS version 4.
Results: The structural model of quality of life demonstrated satisfactory model fit, and the direct and indirect paths were statistically significant (P<0,05). Psychological distress significantly mediated the relationship between social stigma and quality of life (β=−0,205, t=2/405, p=0,016). Furthermore, the indirect effect of illness perception on quality of life through psychological distress was statistically significant (β=0,535, t=2,287, p=0,022).
Conclusion: Quality of life in patients with MS is associated with the interplay of cognitive, social, and psychological factors. Considering these factors simultaneously may help explain variations in quality of life and inform the development of multidimensional, patient-centered interventions.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Psychology
Received: 2025/11/8 | Accepted: 2026/02/4 | Published: 2026/11/1
Received: 2025/11/8 | Accepted: 2026/02/4 | Published: 2026/11/1
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