Learning to self-soothe, feel safe, and be connected: participant perspectives of a mindful self-compassion program for people with multiple sclerosis.
Claire Zhang, Jillian Scandiffio, Ashvene Sureshkumar, Marina B. Wasilewski, Sarah J Donkers, Sarah Munce, Robert Simpson
Disability and Rehabilitation August 24, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2026.2719953 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | People with multiple sclerosis (17) and mindful self-compassion facilitators (3) |
| Intervention | Mindful self-compassion (MSC) training |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Multiple sclerosis Mindful self-compassion People with ms |
| Key findings | Participants with multiple sclerosis described an online mindful self-compassion course as meaningful and acceptable, supporting emotional well-being, social connection, and daily coping. The authors argue MSC may complement standard MS care by addressing psychosocial needs often overlooked, and that tailored delivery and long-term accessibility could enhance integration into supportive care pathways. |
Abstract
People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) often experience high rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, with low quality of life. Mindful self-compassion (MSC) training may offer a promising approach to support mental health in this population. This study explored the experiences of PwMS participating in an online MSC course as part of a feasibility trial to assess its accessibility, perceived effects, and suggested areas for improvement. Qualitative interpretive methods were used. Semi-structured Zoom interviews were completed with 17 PwMS and three MSC facilitators after the course. Transcripts underwent reflexive thematic analysis by a team of researchers. Four themes were constructed: (1) "the ticking time bomb": motivations for mindful self-compassion, (2) navigating the MSC course: benefits, challenges, and accessibility, (3) a community of trust: finding support and common humanity, and (4) wishing for more: filling the gap in MS care. PwMS found MSC to be a meaningful and acceptable intervention that supported emotional well-being, social connection, and daily coping. MSC may complement standard MS care by addressing psychosocial needs that are often overlooked. Tailored delivery and long-term accessibility could enhance its integration into supportive care pathways.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 12
- Home practice in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of participants' mindfulness practice and its association with outcomes Behaviour Research and Therapy May 10, 2017
- Potential treatment mechanisms in a mindfulness‐based intervention for people with progressive multiple sclerosis British Journal of Health Psychology May 30, 2016
- Mindfulness-based interventions for people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative research studies Disability and Rehabilitation September 9, 2021
- Engagement Strategies to Improve Adherence and Retention in Web-Based Mindfulness Programs: Systematic Review Journal of Medical Internet Research August 28, 2023
- A systematic review of the barriers and facilitators to adherence to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for those with chronic conditions. British Journal of Health Psychology October 31, 2022
and 7 more in the library