Self and Other Mental Representations in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: The Role of Cultural-Social Context

Document Type : Scientific-research

Authors

1 Department of Psyhology,, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Behehsti University

2 Department of Psyhology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Behehsti University

3 Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine Neurosciences Research Center Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

10.48308/apsy.2023.231575.1487

Abstract

Aim: The present study investigated self and others' mental representations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and compared mental representations in the cultures of Isfahan and Tehran. Study 1- Method: This research was quasi-experimental with a mixed factorial design. The statistical population of the first study was MS patients and non-MS patients living in Isfahan City, of which 164 people (82 patients and 82 non-patients) were adjusted interpersonal distance with protagonists (childhood self-image, current self-image, mother, love partner and friend) in comfortable interpersonal distance test (CID) in both active and passive modes. Results: The analysis of repeated measures ANOVA test showed that MS patients preferred more interpersonal distance than non-patients when faced with their current self-image, a close friend and a partner. Study 2- Method: A third group (non-patients from Tehran) was added to the first study in the second study. The statistical population of the third group was the students and employees of Islamic Azad University, North Tehran branch, 80 of whom participated in the CID task. Results: The repeated measures ANOVA test analysis showed that the two Isfahan groups significantly chose larger interpersonal distances with all the protagonists than the Tehran group. Conclusion: The findings can suggest a kind of self-alienation experience in patients with MS at the level of mental representation and the importance of culture in the formulation of mental representations.

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References

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Applied Psychology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 June 2023

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