Effectiveness of mindfulness training program on the perception of pain experience and self-compassion in MS patients

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological diseases. The disease is clinically defined by the involvement of different places of the central nervous system (CNS) at different times. Its peak incidence is between the ages of 20 and 40. The experience of pain plays an important role in the mental health and quality of life of MS patients. Research also shows that if MS patients have high levels of self-compassion, they can more easily manage negative situations. The aim of this research is to the effectiveness of the mindfulness training programs on the perception of pain experience and self-compassion in MS patients. Method: The current research is an experiment with an available sampling methods. The sample includes 40 MS patients, 20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. A mindfulness training programs (Kabat- Zinn), McGill Pain Experience Scale (MPQ), and NF Self-Compassion Questionnaire (SCS-LF) were used to collect data. The data were analyzed through the statistical test of multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).Results: The results showed that the average difference between the groups regarding pain experience (F=49.270), and self-compassion (F=51.249) are significant. Therefore, it can be said that increasing self-compassion causes more efficiency in facing stressful situations. Conclusion: Therefore, by improving cognitive processes such as self-compassion, mindfulness training also affects people's experience of pain. It is suggested to increase this skill in people by implementing the necessary training to the family about strategies to strengthen mindfulness.

Effectiveness of mindfulness training program on the perception of pain experience and self-compassion in MS patients Keywords:

Mindfulness , pain experience , self-compassion , MS