Comparison of the effectiveness of Adler-based lifestyle therapy and hope therapy on psychological cohesion and empathy in patients with multiple sclerosis in Tehran

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of treatment based on Adler lifestyle and hope therapy on psychological cohesion and empathy in patients with multiple sclerosis in Tehran.

The study method was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test-follow-up design with control group. The statistical population of this study included all men and women with multiple sclerosis who had filed in the Tehran MS Association. Using available sampling method, 45 patients were selected and randomly and equally divided into three groups of hope therapy, Adler-based lifestyle therapy and control group. Data collection tools were Antonovsky (1993) Mental Cohesion Scale and Davis Empathy Questionnaire (1983). The experimental groups underwent eight two-hour sessions of hope therapy intervention and Adler lifestyle intervention and the control group did not receive any intervention.

Data analysis using multivariate analysis of covariance showed that hope therapy is effective on psychological cohesion and empathy in patients with multiple sclerosis (P <0.01). Adler lifestyle therapy is effective on psychological cohesion and empathy in patients with multiple sclerosis (P <0.01). These results were maintained during the follow-up period.

Counselors and psychotherapists are advised to use these therapies in the long run to increase the psychological cohesion and empathy of patients with multiple sclerosis.