Purpose
This study seeks to add to existing literature on depression and illness intrusiveness in chronic disorders by examining, (1) how the perceived intrusiveness of multiple sclerosis (MS) leads to depression, (2) and the mediating role trait mindfulness plays in this relationship
Methods
Participants (N = 755) were persons with MS (PwMS) recruited through the North American Research Committee on MS (NARCOMS) registry (a larger study). Participants completed the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. A mediation model assessed if trait mindfulness mediates the relationship between illness intrusiveness and depression
Results
Illness intrusiveness predicted trait mindfulness (a = − 4.54; p < .001), trait mindfulness predicted depression (b = − .04; p < .001); there was a direct effect of illness intrusiveness on depression (c’ = 2.53; p < .001) and an indirect effect on depression (ab = .17, 95% BCa CI [.10, .25]) when trait mindfulness was in the model, which represented a medium size effect, R2med = .10 [95% CI .07, .14]
Conclusion
Trait mindfulness mediates the relationship between illness intrusiveness and depression in PwMS. Providers could provide psychoeducation on the benefits of mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions.