Emotional Skills and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Emotional Skills and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis.
IRAS ID
123471
Contact name
Christianne Laing
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Research summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, degenerative disease of the central nervous system, affecting around 1:500 people in Scotland. The negative impact of MS on physical abilities is well-known; however it also affects emotional functioning. Problem with controlling emotions eg unusual feelings of elation or dramatic mood shifts, have also been reported. Evidence in other clinical populations suggests that difficulties in emotional control may have implications for everyday functioning, personal relationships and consequently overall quality of life (QoL).
Of particular interest in this study is the control of anger. It can be argued that, in terms of social impact, anger if the most important of all negative emotions with regards to its effects on everyday life. Research has shown that unrestrained expressions of anger may be harmful, not only to functioning in everyday life, but also to relationships with others.
According to clinical observation, some individuals with MS experience problems controlling feelings of anger. If this is the case, then it could have a negative effect on social functioning and overall QoL. This study, therefore, aims to investigate whether people with MS have more difficulties controlling their feelings of anger than those without, and if so, do they also experience a lesser QoL as a result? It will also be exploring whether difficulties in controlling feelings of anger predict problems in other areas such as social functioning and relationships with others. It also aims to explore the nature of the anger - is it explosive bursts or low-level irritation and frustration? Links with disease severity, mood and depression will also be examined.
To our knowledge no other study has investigated the nature of anger in MS and the impact it may have on other aspects of life. Future work could begin to explore these issues further, possibly in the form of structured interviews.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
13/NS/0101
Date of REC Opinion
3 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion