Core self-evaluations as a mediator of the relationship between stress and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) have to cope with many emotional, physical, social, and practical challenges associated with their chronic health condition on a daily basis. These daily challenges, by their chronic and accumulating nature, can cause considerable psychosocial stress and affect quality of life (QOL). Core-self evaluations (CSE) is a higher order positive psychology construct that has been described as a protective factor for psychological stress in people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. It is also positively associated with life satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the mediation effect of CSE on the relationship between stress and QOL in women with MS. RESULTS: Results revealed that stress was negatively associated with CSE and QOL. Conversely, CSE was positively correlated with QOL. In fact, CSE served as a mediator between stress and QOL, suggesting that higher levels of CSE can buffer the negative impact of stress on QOL. CONCLUSION: Findings provide support for rehabilitation counselors to integrate CSE into the rehabilitation process and facilitate CSE development, which can help clients with MS better cope with their daily hassles and stressors to improve functioning and well-being, leading to higher QOL.