The goal of this clinical trial is to develop and investigate a compassion-based intervention (Mindful Self-Compassion course) in people with multiple sclerosis. The main objectives are: 1. Explore feasibility of trial processes including recruitment, adherence, retention, and follow-up 2. Explore experiences of people with multiple sclerosis with the Compassion-based intervention, including perceived effects, barriers and facilitators to participation, suggestions for improvement 3. Determine potential effects on stress, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, illness adjustment, and self-compassion. Participants will be asked to take part in an 8-week online Mindful Self-Compassion course and report changes in levels of stress, anxiety, depression, self-compassion, adjustment, emotion, and quality of life from pre- to post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Additionally, participants will be asked to take part in a semi-structured interview to explore their experiences with the course, perceived effects, and suggestions for improvement.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
45
An online 8-week mindful self-compassion course with weekly sessions.
Unity Health Toronto
Toronto, Canada
Recruitment
The investigators will measure the number of participants eligible for and recruited to the study.
Time frame: 4 months
Retention
The investigators will measure the percentage of participants who complete outcome data.
Time frame: 4 months
Adherence
The investigators will measure the number of participants who completed the mindful self-compassion course.
Time frame: 4 months
Follow-up rates
The investigators will measure the percentage of participants who complete outcome measures pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3 months post-intervention.
Time frame: 4 months
Stress
Measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-10. The total score can range from 0-40, with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.
Anxiety
Measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The total score ranges from 0-21, with higher values representing increased anxiety symptoms.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.
Depression
Measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The total score ranges from 0-21, with higher values representing increased depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.
Self-compassion
Measured using the Self-Compassion Scale - Short Form. The total score ranges from a 1-5 Likert scale, with higher scores representing high self-compassion.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.
Emotion Regulation
Measured using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - Short Form. Answers are assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Higher values indicate greater difficulties in emotion regulation.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.
Quality of Life using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29)
Measured using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale. Items on the scale have a Likert scale from 1-5, with a range of 0-100 total and higher scores indicating greater disability.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.
Participant Experiences and Perspectives
Semi-structured interviews will aim to capture participants' experiences with the course and perspectives on the use of self-compassion in care.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.
Adjustment
Measured using the Coping with MS Scale. Answers are assessed using a 5-point Likert scale and a mean per subscale group will be reported. Higher values indicate greater tendency to use coping strategies.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.
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