Psychosocial adjustment was measured in a sample of 137 clients with multiple sclerosis. This causal-comparative design used a mailed survey instrument to elicit responses. Subjects completed the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS), a chronic illness normed instrument based on seven salient role behaviors, and a demographic information sheet.

The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance, partial correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Mobility level of the client was the covariate and constant used in this study.

The findings of this study suggested that length of pre-diagnosis period, working or attending school status, and duration of multiple sclerosis did not significantly influence psychosocial adjustment as measured by the PAIS. Significant differences were found in adjustment scores of clients in remission and those that were not. Using eight demographic and illness-related variables, no significant regression equation was found for psychosocial adjustment. However, significant regression equations were found for three of the role behaviors of the PAIS. The clients' working status and level of mobility were predictive of the role behaviors of vocational environment and domestic environment. Marital status and age of the client were predictive of the role behavior of sexual relationships.