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“If You Can’t Control the Wind, Adjust Your Sail”: Tips for Post-Pandemic Benefit Finding from Young Adults Living with Multiple Sclerosis. A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Silvia Poli

    (Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Michela Rimondini

    (Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Alberto Gajofatto

    (Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Maria Angela Mazzi

    (Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Isolde Martina Busch

    (Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Francesca Gobbin

    (Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Federico Schena

    (Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Lidia Del Piccolo

    (Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Valeria Donisi

    (Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

Abstract

The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the wellbeing of people worldwide, potentially increasing maladaptive psychological responses of vulnerable populations. Although young adults with multiple sclerosis (yawMS) might be at greater risk of developing psychological distress linked to the pandemic, they might also be able to adapt to stress and find meaning in adverse life events. The aim of the present study was to explore benefit finding in response to the pandemic in a sample of yawMS. As part of a larger project, data were collected using a cross-sectional, web-based survey. Benefit finding was analysed using a qualitative thematic approach; descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to describe the sample and compare sub-groups. Out of 247 respondents with mostly relapsing-remitting MS, 199 (31.9 ± 6.97 years) reported at least one benefit. Qualitative analysis showed that during the pandemic yawMS found benefits related to three themes: personal growth, relational growth, and existential growth. No differences in benefit finding were found between age sub-groups (18–30 vs. 31–45). Participants reported a wide range of benefits, some of which seem to be specific to MS or the pandemic. Results have been transformed into tips to be introduced in clinical practice to promote resilience in yawMS through meaning making.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Poli & Michela Rimondini & Alberto Gajofatto & Maria Angela Mazzi & Isolde Martina Busch & Francesca Gobbin & Federico Schena & Lidia Del Piccolo & Valeria Donisi, 2021. "“If You Can’t Control the Wind, Adjust Your Sail”: Tips for Post-Pandemic Benefit Finding from Young Adults Living with Multiple Sclerosis. A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4156-:d:536172
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Debanjan Banerjee & Mayank Rai, 2020. "Social isolation in Covid-19: The impact of loneliness," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(6), pages 525-527, September.
    2. María Mercedes Reguera-García & Cristina Liébana-Presa & Lorena Álvarez-Barrio & Lisa Alves Gomes & Elena Fernández-Martínez, 2020. "Physical Activity, Resilience, Sense of Coherence and Coping in People with Multiple Sclerosis in the Situation Derived from COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-13, November.
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