Promotion of self-transcendence in a multiple sclerosis peer support groups

ABSTRACT

Self-transcendence can organize the challenges of multiple sclerosis patients to achieve and maintain a constant state of well-being and sense of integrity in the disease process. As a research based on self-transcendence didn't done in Iran, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of peer groups on promoting self-transcendence level in multiple sclerosis [MS] patients. This study is a before and after quasi-experimental study that was conducted on 33 patients with confirmed MS participated in three peer support groups 10 men in male group, 11 women in female group and 12 men and women in mixed group. Eight weekly sessions and each session was 2 hours were held. Data collection tool was Self-Transcendence Scale [STS] with 15 item and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.68 that after modifying, it increased to 0.81. Patients completed self administered questionnaires pre- and post of sessions. Results showed that peer support groups promote the self-transcendence [p=0.001] with increases in mean self-transcendence scores in all 3 groups [men group 0.008, women group 0.005 and mixed group 0.003]. Comparing scores before and after intervention demonstrated that self-transcendence increased equally in all groups. The results showed an improving in self-transcendence in peer support group participants at the end of the intervention. The results can be used in areas of nursing education and management. It is proposed that the self-transcendence assessment to be done in other chronic disease in order to evaluate its efficiency