Multiple sclerosis: the role of social support and disability.

This descriptive study explores the types and sources of social support and examines the relationship between types and sources of social support and physical disability and length of illness of 101 individuals with multiple sclerosis. The Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire was used to examine functional support (affect, affirmation, and aid) and structural support (size of network, duration of relationships, and frequency of contact). Findings reveal that subjects perceived "moderate" to "quite a bit" of affect (love, respect, and admiration) but only "moderate" to "little" amounts of affirmation (support of one's thoughts or actions) and tangible aid. Results of multivariate analysis of variance carried out on 44 subjects reveals that subjects perceived more support from spouse/partner than from any other source. Correlational analysis indicates that subjects with higher levels of disability perceived less overall support from spouse/partner and family. Findings also indicate that subjects with a longer period of illness perceived less amount of affect and affirmation and had less contact with network members.