Multiple Sclerosis: The Psychological Effects of Parental MS on Adolescents and Children
Jessica Houge
Greenville Technical College Abstract
This paper defines multiple sclerosis and explores three articles that report on the behavioral and emotional psychological effects of adolescents who have a parent with multiple sclerosis (MS). The articles vary from professional studies to personal documentation. Mary Harmon (Harmon, 1999)(a parent who was diagnosed with MS) writes about her personal struggles and how her illness affects her young son. The other two articles, (De Judicibus & McCabe, 2004) and (Razaz, Nourian, Marrie, Boyce, & Tremlett, 2014), account multiple studies - conducted using varying methods - with Western families. The studies show the extent of the psychological impact on children who have a parent with a chronic illness such as MS, and how these families are coping and adjusting to meet the needs of both the parent and the child. …show more content…
It is more common in women than in men, highly unpredictable, and often debilitating. Some symptoms, although they vary from one individual to the next and in severity, may include optic neuritis, dysarthria, and dysphagia. While a patient can identify and express their struggles with this disease, they cannot speak for the impact it has on their children.
Behaviors and Emotions
Children cannot always express their emotions in a healthy way. They may be uncomfortable talking to someone about how they feel, or they simply do not understand what they are feeling. Because of this, their emotions come out as anger, rage, or sadness. Often times, children and adolescents will begin to withdraw from their family and peers due to embarrassment. There are ways to assist a child with healthy emotional expression, and it is important for them to know their feelings are justified.
Parental
Jessica Houge
Greenville Technical College Abstract
This paper defines multiple sclerosis and explores three articles that report on the behavioral and emotional psychological effects of adolescents who have a parent with multiple sclerosis (MS). The articles vary from professional studies to personal documentation. Mary Harmon (Harmon, 1999)(a parent who was diagnosed with MS) writes about her personal struggles and how her illness affects her young son. The other two articles, (De Judicibus & McCabe, 2004) and (Razaz, Nourian, Marrie, Boyce, & Tremlett, 2014), account multiple studies - conducted using varying methods - with Western families. The studies show the extent of the psychological impact on children who have a parent with a chronic illness such as MS, and how these families are coping and adjusting to meet the needs of both the parent and the child. …show more content…
It is more common in women than in men, highly unpredictable, and often debilitating. Some symptoms, although they vary from one individual to the next and in severity, may include optic neuritis, dysarthria, and dysphagia. While a patient can identify and express their struggles with this disease, they cannot speak for the impact it has on their children.
Behaviors and Emotions
Children cannot always express their emotions in a healthy way. They may be uncomfortable talking to someone about how they feel, or they simply do not understand what they are feeling. Because of this, their emotions come out as anger, rage, or sadness. Often times, children and adolescents will begin to withdraw from their family and peers due to embarrassment. There are ways to assist a child with healthy emotional expression, and it is important for them to know their feelings are justified.
Parental