Relationship between Social Support, Time Perspective and Suicide Ideations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are at risk for Suicide Ideation (SI). The relationship between Social Support (SS) and Time Perspective (TP) with SI is important among patients with MS. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of SI and the correlation between SS and TP with SI in Iranian patients with MS in Nahavand and Malayer.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Using a cross-sectional analytic research design, we selected 79 participants among patients with MS in Nahavand and Malayer, Iran. Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Zimbardo’s Time Perspective Inventory were used for collecting the data.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The obtained results indicated that 30.3% of the patients with MS suffered from SI. There was a negative correlation between SS (from family, friends and significant other), Past Positive (PP) and Future (F) orientations and a positive correlation between Past Negative (PN) orientation and SI; SS from significant other and PP negatively predicted the SI in patients with MS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on the obtained results, the relationship between SS, PN, PP, F and SI and the role of SS from significant other and PP in predicting the SI in Nahavand and Malayer patients with MS were confirmed. Thus, it is necessary to develop support systems and apply the TP-based treatments for patients with MS who are at risk for SI.</p>