Practice in Clinical Psychology

en Comparison of communication patterns and emotional atmosphere of families with multiple sclerosis patients with healthy population توانبخشي Rehabilitation پژوهشي Original Research Article Abstract Objectives:Multiple sclerosis (MS), as a chronic disease of the central nervous system, not only causes physical and cognitive impairments but also affects family dynamics and emotional atmosphere. The aim of this study was to compare family communication patterns (conversation and conformity orientations) and emotional atmosphere between families with a member diagnosed with MS and healthy families. Methods:This was a causal-comparative study. The statistical population included individuals with MS and healthy individuals. A total of 80 participants (40 in each group) were selected using convenience sampling. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, the Revised Family Communication Patterns Scale by Koerner & Fitzpatrick (2004), and the Hill-Burns Family Emotional Atmosphere Questionnaire (1964). Data were analyzed using an independent t-test with SPSS version 26. Results:The findings revealed significant differences between the two groups in conversation orientation (p < 0.05) and emotional atmosphere (p < 0.05), with families of individuals with MS scoring lower. However, there was no significant difference in conformity orientation between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion:Families with a member affected by MS face more emotional and communicative challenges compared to healthy families. Nevertheless, the similar level of conformity may reflect an effort to maintain family cohesion in the face of chronic illness. These findings highlight the need for supportive interventions aimed at improving family communication and emotional well-being in MS-affected households.   Multiple sclerosis, Family communication patterns,Family emotional atmosphere 0 0 http://jpcp.uswr.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1115-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Alireza Bahrambeig Alireza4bahrambeyk@gmail.com No University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences Mohammad Saeed Khanjani sa.khanjani@uswr.ac.ir Yes University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences Parvin Jafari pa.jafari@uswr.ac.ir No University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences Razieh Bidehendi Yarandi ra.bidhendi@uswr.ac.ir No University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences