Processes of change for people with Multiple Sclerosis: Insights from a mixed-methods feasibility and acceptability study of an online integrative psychological intervention

Psychological interventions have demonstrated benefits for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), particularly in relation to mood, fatigue and quality of life. The current feasibility and acceptability study explored the processes of change of five women living with MS who participated in the MyMS-Ally online integrative group intervention. They completed qualitative interviews at three timepoints (baseline, post-intervention and follow-up) alongside quantitative measures collected across four timepoints. Longitudinal Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis identified two overarching themes: (a) relating to MS: trajectories of cognitive and emotional change and (b) relating with MS: from isolation to connection. Quantitative analyses did not show statistically significant changes, though individual trajectories illustrated meaningful variation. Findings indicate that MyMS-Ally is a feasible and acceptable intervention. Participants focused on changes in self-perception and relating processes rather than symptoms. Qualitative longitudinal designs are valuable in capturing complex processes of change for people living with chronic illness.