Comparison of Family Communication Patterns and Emotional Atmosphere in Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Families

Objective: Grounded in family systems theory, this study compared family communication patterns (conversation and conformity orientations) and emotional atmospheres between families with a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient and healthy control families. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional comparative design, an a priori powered sample of ۸۰ participants (۴۰ clinically stable MS patients, ۴۰ healthy individuals) was recruited. To mitigate convenience sampling bias, groups were statistically adjusted for demographic covariates. Participants completed culturally validated Persian versions of the Koerner & Fitzpatrick revised family communication patterns scale and the Hill-Burns family emotional atmosphere questionnaire. Results: Families of individuals with MS exhibited significantly lower conversation orientation (P<۰.۰۵, Cohen’s d=۰.۵۴) and a more negative family emotional atmosphere (P<۰.۰۵, d=۱.۰۱) compared to healthy controls, demonstrating moderate to large clinical effect sizes. However, conformity orientation did not differ significantly between the groups (P>۰.۰۵). Conclusion: The chronic burden of MS profoundly disrupts open family communication and emotional atmosphere. While the cross-sectional design limits definitive causal inferences, the substantial effect sizes underscore a clear clinical necessity for systemic family therapy and targeted psychosocial interventions to foster resilience in MS-affected households.

کلیدواژه ها:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) ، Family communication patterns ، Family emotional atmosphere