Being in- or out-of-sync: A qualitative study of couples' adaptation to change in multiple sclerosis

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight couples, each with one partner diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The purpose of the interviews was to examine how couples adapt to the challenges of MS, and to explore how participants defined and identified the strengths and challenges in their relationship, negotiated role changes and received external support. Conceptual frameworks on how families adapt to chronic illness guided within and across case analyses. We identified patterns in the couples' current responses to the demands and stressors of MS.

Two patterns of adaptation to MS were identified as being ‘in-sync' or ‘out-of-sync'. Characteristics of the four couples currently in-sync included having a relapsing-remitting type of MS, which proceeded at a pace that enabled both partners to maintain their social roles and identity, and a collaborative problem solving style. The four couples currently out-of-sync had a rapid progression of MS, loss of employment before retirement age, differences in personal styles that shifted from being complementary to oppositional in the face of increased demands, and struggles with parenting adolescent children.

Clinicians can use these data to assess possible relational strain in couples with MS and identify families who might benefit from referrals to family therapy or other relational support. Interventions can be targeted at couples at risk for becoming out-of-sync in order to increase the social support, health, and well-being of both the individual with MS and his/her partner.