الملخص الإنجليزي
Objectives: When a married family member suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), the
collective physical and psychosocial well-being of the family is impacted and much
of the burden is on the healthier spouse. The purpose of the present study was to
determine the contribution of psychosocial support from spouses, friends, and others
in overall family functioning in respect of Iranian patients with MS, considering the
mediating role of spiritual experiences and moral foundations. Methods: Spouses of
patients with MS were chosen through the judgmental sampling method. The research
instruments comprised the Family Assessment Device, Social Support Appraisals Scale,
Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, and Moral Foundations Questionnaire. Data analysis
was done through the path analysis technique. Results: The subjects comprised 220
spouses of MS patients. We found a significant relationship between family support path
and overall functioning mediated by the variable 'spiritual experiences', the root mean
square error of approximation (RMSEA) value being < 0.001. Similarly, the relationship
between spiritual experiences and moral foundations had a significant effect on overall
family functioning (RMSEA < 0.001). After eliminating insignificant relationships
and estimating fit indicators, the modified (adjusted) model indicated goodness of fit
with data. Conclusions: This study found, for the first time in the Iranian community,
a significant effect of family support focused on spouses of MS patients compared to
the support from friends and others, with regard to family functioning. The mediating
roles of spiritual experiences and moral foundations were confirmed. Further studies are
suggested to delve into the role of family support for MS patients in developing countries.
