Psychological, interpersonal and social functioning in MS: the role of theory of mind.

Exploring if there is a relationship between understanding other people’s thoughts/intentions and functional outcomes in MS e.g. mood, relationship quality and social engagement.

Condition(s)

  • Multiple sclerosis

Project type

  • Understanding the condition

About the project

Theory of mind refers to an individual’s ability to understand that other people have their own thoughts, opinions and beliefs which can differ from our own. Theory of mind is important in social interactions as it allows us to adapt our behaviour and know what information to communicate to others, building on what they already know. Our research wants to find out if, for someone with multiple sclerosis, their theory of mind (TOM) abilities impact upon their mood, relationship quality, and social engagement.

The project recruited participants through the Anne Rowling Clinic. The study is aiming to recruit between 20 and 30 individuals with a diagnosis of MS through the Clinic and will also be recruiting individuals from NHS Fife.

Findings

The following findings were shared with all participants in the 'Theory of Mind Research Study.'

TOM abilities were higher in this study compared to other studies that have assessed TOM in individuals with MS. This means as a whole, the individuals included in this study scored more points on these assessment measures than in previous research studies.

There was no difference in TOM abilities based on MS diagnosis type. Individuals with relapsing-remitting MS performed similarly to individuals with secondary progressive MS on both the TOM tasks.  

No relationship or link was found between TOM abilities and mood, relationship quality, and most areas of social functioning (e.g. communication, recreational activities, and daily task performance).

In contrast, social withdrawal and employment were both associated with TOM abilities. Specifically, individuals who were in employment scored higher on the TOM measures than those not working. Individuals who had more social contacts in their week scored higher on the TOM measures than those who saw fewer people.

Finally, individuals who reported a better physical health-related quality of life (e.g. fewer difficulties with pain and fatigue) scored higher on TOM tasks.

What are the next steps?

This was the first study to explore the impact the theory of mind abilities have on mood, relationship quality, and social engagement in individuals with MS. Additional studies are required to replicate and explore these relationships further. Specifically in a larger sample and across a wider range of TOM abilities. This additional work is required to better understand these relationships, before research into potential interventions to enhance TOM abilities can begin.

Thank you to all the participants for giving up their time and for sharing their information and thoughts with us. I'd also like to thank all the staff at the Anne Rowling Clinic for their help and support in delivering my project. The initial findings from this project open the door for additional work to be done to better understand the relationships further.

Rachel Gibson, Trainee Clinical Pyschologist

Publication(s)

Status

Completed

Contact

Rachel Gibson, Trainee Clinical Psychologist
Rachel.Gibson@nhs.scot
01383 565402

Eligibility criteria

  • Diagnosis of MS
  • Aged between 18 and 65 years.

Other eligibility criteria apply. Please contact us for more information.

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