Hope in multiple chemical sensitivity: social support and attitude towardshealthcare delivery as predictors of hope

This paper examines:hope, as measured by the Herth Hope Scale, and its pred ictors in a sample of 305 people self-identified with multiple chemical sen sitivity. The sample had relatively,low levels of hope with scores unrelated to gende r, severity or length of illness,: income loss as a result of illness, or r eported iatrogenic harm. Hope scores were positively correlated with perceived social support, havin g found personal growth through illness, age, reported level of supportiven ess from a partner, an improved course of illness and level of reported saf ety of the home environment in regard to chemical exposures. Negative correlations were found with attitude toward healthcare delivery, fatigue and reported abuse/ostracism from family members other than partner . Social support, Healthcare Orientation:, growth through illness, fatigue an d age predicted hope scores accounted for 55% of the variance. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.