Exploring the Role of Positive Body Image, Depression Symptoms, Disability and Age in Acceptance of Illness in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease leading to a progressive disability that can affect not only the physical but also the mental state of patients. The psychological adaptation to the illness plays an important role in the general effectiveness of treatment. The study aimed to determine modifiable and nonmodifiable correlates of acceptance of illness. Methods: A total of 139 Caucasian people with MS (pwMS) (106 females) were included. The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—21 items (DASS-21), together with sociodemographic and clinical data, including the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), were used. Results: Pearson correlation analysis showed that all variables (disability status of pwMS, intensity of depression symptoms and positive body image) are significantly related to acceptance of illness. After including all the predictors in the regression analysis, all the correlations turned out to be significant (except for multiple sclerosis disability rating). Both age and the severity of depressive symptoms decrease the level of acceptance of the disease. An increase in the level of positive body image positively affects the level of acceptance of the disease. Conclusions: The acceptance of the disease is correlated with both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors. The work on modifiable factors should be taken into account to create a complex program of rehabilitation and treatment for MS patients.