Understanding Emotionally Supportive Family Communication Individuals with MS Experience Through a Critical Interpersonal and Family Communication (CIFC) Framework

Abstract

Emotionally supportive communication (ESC) has been argued as the most valuable form of supportive communication, which the present study explores from the perspective of individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic illness characterized by inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS). Generally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, MS is characterized by uncertainty related to MS progression and symptoms, as the symptoms and experience of MS vary widely from person to person. For individuals living with MS (IwMS), ESC can be useful for navigating uncertainties and identity adaptation processes. Moreover, how IwMS may be associated with disability through living with MS could impact how they experience and perceive the ESC that they receive from others, especially family members who are formative for how IwMS adapt to MS. The present interview-based study investigated ESC using person-centered theory and a critical interpersonal and family communication (CIFC) framework to better understand the ESC IwMS experience from family members, their perceptions of such support, factors that IwMS consider for influencing their perceptions, and the role of power during emotionally supportive interactions where disability status may be influencing ESC from family members and IwMS perceptions. Analyzing interview transcripts with 25 IwMS revealed that (a) IwMS experience a wide-range of ESC, consider instrumental support as ESC, and experience a majority of ESC as moderately person-centered; (b) IwMS perceive ESC from family members along a continuum from negative to positive, including ambivalent perceptions of ESC specific to how MS impacts emotionally supportive interactions; (c) several factors influence IwMS’ perceptions of ESC from family members, including realities of living with MS, reflection, and relationship element among others; and (d) IwMS experienced relational and personal losses to power during emotionally supportive interactions with family members, as well as feeling pressure to perform specific roles for family members. Implications of findings and future directions conclude the study.