Perceived Health and Functional Status and Work Environmental Factors as Determinants of Psychological Stress Among Employed People With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

PurposeThis correlational study examined relationships among (a) health and function factors, (b) work environmental factors, and (c) perceived psychological stress among employed people with multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodBased on responses to a national survey by 523 employed people with MS, this study used a hierarchical multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe final model explained 30% of the variability in participants' perceived stress scores. Participants who perceived better overall health, who experienced less severe cognitive impairment, who expressed higher levels of job satisfaction, and who did not receive accommodations at work reported lower stress scores than did other participants.ImplicationsThe important role of stress in employment and career decision-making underscores the value of tailored psychosocial, medical, and vocational interventions for employed people with MS.