This study examined the use of a stress and coping model of adjustment to m
ultiple sclerosis (MS). A total of 122 MS patients were interviewed and com
pleted self-administered scales at Time 1 and 12 months later, Time 2 (n =
96). Predictors included stressful life events, illness (duration, severity
, and disability), social support, appraisal (threat and control/challenge)
, and coping (problem focused and emotion [wishful thinking, self-blame, an
d avoidance] focused). Adjustment outcomes were Time 2 depression, global d
istress, social adjustment, and subjective health status. Results from hier
archical regression analyses indicated that after controlling for the effec
ts of Time-1 adjustment, better Time-2 adjustment was related to less disab
ility, greater reliance on problem-focused coping, and less reliance on emo
tion-focused coping. There was limited support for the stress buffering eff
ects of coping and social support. Findings offer some support for the use
of a stress and coping model of adaptation to MS.