TITLE:
Pythagorean Self-Awareness Serves Successfully as a New Cognitive Behavioral-Based Technique in Multiple Sclerosis Physical and Psychosocial Well-Being and Quality of Life
AUTHORS:
Christina Darviri, Chrysa Zavitsanou, Aikaterini Delikou, Aikaterini Giotaki, Artemios Artemiadis, Maria Anagnostouli, Liza Varvogli, Spyros Vasdekis, George P. Chrousos
KEYWORDS:
Multiple Sclerosis, Cognitive Function, Neurorehabilitation, Stress Management, Psychosocial Adaptation, Pythagorean Self-Awareness
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.7 No.4,
April
22,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background:
Τhe majority of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients manifest cognitive impairment,
stress, anxiety and depression. These factors affect the disease course and
relapse as well as the adoption of maladaptive coping strategies. The purpose
of the study is to evaluate the effect of the Pythagorean self-awareness
intervention on MS patients. Methods: This was a parallel randomized controlled
trial in MS patients (N = 55) who were randomized to intervention (IG) and
control group (CG). The IG (N = 23) underwent, additional to standardized care,
PSAI which consisted of 8 weekly sessions of dietary and physical exercise
counselling, cognitive training and stress management. Self-reported questionnaires
were used for stress, depression, anxiety, healthy lifestyle, ways of coping,
fatigue, memory. Data were collected by pre- and post-intervention. Results:
Participants were mostly women, married, of tertiary education and with a mean
disease duration of ten years. Statistical analyses revealed a significant
amelioration of healthy lifestyle, stress, anxiety, depression, memory, an
increase in positive approach and social support seeking, as well as, a
decrease in physical, mental and cognitive fatigue. Conclusions: Participation
in PSAI was strongly associated with enhancement of self-management abilities.
We aspire that PSAI can be introduced in healthcare settings as a multifaceted,
meta-cognitive process of stress management and self-empowerment.