Hope, Self-Esteem and Social Support in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

A descriptive study was conducted to determine if a relationship among the variables of hope, self-esteem and social support existed in persons with multiple sclerosis. A demographic data sheet and three instruments were used: Miller Hope Scale (MHS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Part II of the Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ). Of 75 individuals contacted by mail asking them to participate, 40 sets of questionnaires were returned. The subjects' ages ranged from 32 to 70 with a mean of 48.2. The mean scores on the 3 instruments were: MHS--157.9 (40-200 possible range), self-esteem--29.68 (10-40 possible range), and PRQ Part II--141.13 (25-175 possible range). A statistically significant relationship was found between hope and self-esteem, hope and social support and social support and self-esteem. Additionally, findings were reported and conclusions and nursing implications identified.