BONUS Evaluation of a Four-Week Online Resilience Training Program for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract The diagnosis of a chronic disease, such as multiple
sclerosis, has both psychological and physical effects. Living with
the disease and its uncertain consequences requires a great deal of
psychological resilience in order to employ more comprehensive
coping strategies in stressful situations. This study investigated
the effect of a four-week online self-directed resilience training
program on the perception of psychological resilience among
multiple sclerosis patients. A total of 94 MS patients were
recruited for a randomised controlled trial. The experimental group
underwent a 28-day online self-directed training program consisting
of daily exercises aimed at strengthening a resilient mindset.
Psychological resilience was measured through self-assessment
immediately before, immediately after, and three months after the
training. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically
significant improvement in the perception of four factors related
to stress: perceived worries, tension, joy, and demands. Two
resilience coping strategies were measured, of which one, a
resilient orientation, improved significantly in the short and long
term. The study suggests that online self-directed resilience
training might provide an easily accessible, low-cost option for
patients with MS to improve their psychological resilience. This is
a pilot study to assess the general applicability to people with
MS. Future studies should examine the transferability of results in
relation to disease stage and co-morbidities.