the effect of spiritual counseling on happiness among patients with multiple sclerosis

Happiness is the most important components in the mental health of patients with multiple sclerosis. Spiritual counseling is a traditional intervention to alleviate illness and promote health. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the effect of spiritual counseling on happiness among patients with multiple sclerosis.

This clinical trial study was performed on 50 patients with multiple sclerosis in Kashan in 2020. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (receiving spiritual counseling for one month in eight sessions of 60 minutes and two sessions per week) and control. The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was completed by both groups before, immediately after and one month after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using mixed analysis of variance (between-within groups) test.

The results showed that the mean of happiness in the group receiving spiritual counseling after the intervention and one month after it was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001).

The results of the present study showed that spiritual counseling promotes happiness in patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, the approach of spiritual counseling can be used as a useful and effective intervention in improving the happiness of these patients. Further studies are recommended.