COPING PATTERN AND ADAPTATION IN MULTIPLE -SCLEROSIS

A questionnaire (FKV/LIS) was used to study the coping process in 210 patients with multiple sclerosis. By cluster analysis of five coping m odes, patients could be divided into two groups of approximately the s ame size: cluster 1 presented with higher values for ''active coping; self-affirmation; religiousness'' and lower values for ''depression'' and ''trivialization''. In cluster 2, on the other hand, values were h igher for ''depression'' and ''trivialization'' whereas values were lo wer for ''active coping; self-affirmation; religiousness''. Patients i n cluster 1 were significantly more contented with life. Mean age and mean duration of illness were higher in cluster 1, suggesting a time-d ependent change in the coping process with improvement in adaptation i n the course of the disease. The extent of social support was higher i n cluster 1. The consequences for psychological intervention are discu ssed.