Health Locus of Control and Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

Giovanni Del Puente, Ala Maham

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease whose etiology has not been fully understood yet in details. Empirical findings show how psychosocial symptoms are very important features of the clinical presentation of multiple sclerosis, having a deep impact on patient’s quality of life, and thus psychological coping strategies may play a central role in reducing the burden of the disease and improving patient’s satisfaction of life. Multiple sclerosis’ progression and relapses/exacerbations may depend on factors such as stressor chronicity, frequency, severity and type and individual patient characteristics such as depression, health locus of control, optimism and perceived social support. Here, we make a review on the current state of art concerning the relationship between health locus of control and multiple sclerosis.

Relevant Publications in Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy