Effectiveness of a Neuropsychology-Based Therapeutic Package on Distress Tolerance and Emotional Ambivalence in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Keywords:
Multiple sclerosis, neuropsychology-based intervention, distress tolerance, emotional ambivalence, cognitive rehabilitation, emotion regulationAbstract
Purpose: This study aimed to develop a neuropsychology-based therapeutic package for individuals with multiple sclerosis and evaluate its effectiveness in improving distress tolerance and reducing emotional ambivalence.
Methods and Materials: This mixed-methods research was conducted using a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with neurologists were analyzed through directed content analysis to identify the key cognitive, emotional, and self-management components required for a neuropsychological intervention. Based on the extracted codes and categories, a structured 12-session therapeutic protocol was developed. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up was implemented with an experimental group receiving the neuropsychology-based intervention and a control group receiving standard care. Validated scales of distress tolerance and emotional ambivalence were administered across all timepoints, and data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.
Findings: Mixed ANOVA results indicated significant group × time interaction effects for total distress tolerance (F = 36.75, p < .001, η² = .43) and total emotional ambivalence (F = 30.77, p < .001, η² = .40), demonstrating the superiority of the intervention over standard care. Bonferroni post hoc comparisons revealed significant improvements in the experimental group from pre-test to post-test (p < .001) for both variables, with gains largely maintained at follow-up (p > .05 for post-test to follow-up), while the control group showed no significant changes across timepoints (p > .74).
Conclusion: The neuropsychology-based therapeutic package demonstrated strong and sustained effects in enhancing distress tolerance and reducing emotional ambivalence among individuals with multiple sclerosis. Integrating cognitive rehabilitation, emotional regulation training, mindfulness, communication skills, and self-management strategies offers a comprehensive and effective approach for addressing the complex cognitive-emotional challenges associated with the condition.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Maryam Shaygannik (Author); Hasan Rezaei Jamalouei; Hamidreza Nikyar, Ahmad Sobhani (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
