Effectiveness of Group Therapy Based on Hope Approach on Hope and Depression in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

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Abstract

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (M.S) is one of the most common chronic diseases of central nervous system. The disease may cause numerous psychological maladjustment in patients that depression has high prevalence among them. This study was conducted to investigate effectiveness of group therapy based on hope approach on hope and depression in women with Multiple Sclerosis.

Method:This research is quasi-experimental study with pretest- posttest design and control group. 24 patients were selected among statistical population included women with M.S in Zahedanʼs M.S Society by using convenience sampling method and criterion of minimum score of 14 in Beck Depression Inventory-II and sample were divided into two groups as experimental and control groups. Group therapy based on hope approach was performed in the experimental group. The instruments were Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Snyder's Hope Scale. Data were analyzed by using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and SPSS 16 software.

Results: Group therapy based on hope approach promoted hope and reduced depression in women with Multiple Sclerosis in comparison to the control group significantly (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Group therapy based on hope approach is effective in promotion of hope and reducing of depression in women with M.S. So it can be applied as useful method of intervention for improving depression symptoms in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

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