Purpose

Paying attention to the factors affecting the psychological well-being of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is of parti­cular importance, hence the present study investigated the relationship between self-compassion and psychological well-being with the mediating role of resilience.

Material and methods

This cross-sectional study was performed using an online survey in a sample of 410 PwMS registered with the Guilan MS Society (GMSS) of Iran. The study was conducted in 2021. A demographic questionnaire, Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Self Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF) were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling.

Results

The model and data were sensibly in agreement. Moreover, bootstrap results showed that all direct path coefficients were significant (t ≥ 1.96). The direct effects of self-compassion and resilience on psychological well-being were significant, with standardized coefficients of 0.69 and 0.21. In addition resilience, with a coefficient of 0.73, was associated with psychological well-being. Furthermore, the indirect effect of self-compassion on psychological well-being with the mediating role of resilience was also confirmed (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

In particular, a higher self-compassion score predicts greater resilience, which is correlated with greater psychological well-being. These findings underscore the need to target the psychological well-being of PwMS through resilience to help them cope with living with chronic conditions.