The Relationship between Illness Perception, Stigma and Cognitive Fusion with Quality of Life of the women with Multiple sclerosis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between illness perception, stigma and cognitive fusion with quality of life in women with Multiple sclerosis (MS). This research was a descriptive-correlational study. For this purpose, 163 women 30-60 years old with at least 5 years of diagnosis and having motor or motor-sphincter disabilities who referred to Association for the Protection of the Rights of Disabled Persons volunteered to participate in the study. The tools were Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness, Scale of Cognitive Fusion and Quality of Life Questionnaire- brief. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression. Results indicated a significant negative relationship between illness perception, stigma and cognitive fusion with quality of life. According to the results of regression, variables of illness perception, stigma and cognitive fusion respectively predict quality of life. Thus identifying the underlying and causing factors in maintaining and improving the health status and improving the quality of life in this group of chronic patients seems necessary.