Character strengths and employment in people with multiple sclerosis

Research Objectives: Character strengths (CSs) are 24 traits leading to enhanced life outcomes and well-being (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). This study aimed to examine differences between the employed and the unemployed group on total CSs and each CS scores in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design: This study was cross-sectional.

Setting: Participants were recruited from the National MS Society.

Participants: A total of 257 participants who reported to be full-time employed, part-time employed, unemployed, and looking for work were included in this study.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: CSs were assessed with the Global Assessment of Character Strengths-24 (McGrath, 2017). Sociodemographic variables (e.g., employment) were assessed.

Results: Between the employed group and the unemployed group, there were significant differences in the following CSs, including judgment/critical thinking, perspective/wisdom, perseverance, zest, social intelligence, teamwork, leadership, self-regulation, and hope. Regarding total CSs score, there was a significant difference between the employed and the unemployed group t(255)=2.39, p<.05). Regarding the logistic regression results, the outcome variable was employment status: employed versus unemployed. In step 1, demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, race) were entered. The model was not significant in step 1: χ2(df=3, N=255)=3.61, p=.31. In step 2, MS duration was added, and the model was still not significant: χ2(df=4, N=255)=3.85, p=.43. In step 3, CSs were added, and the final model was significant: χ2(df=5, N=255)=11.28, p<.05). Higher levels of CSs were associated with an increased probability of being employed (AOR=0.59; 95%CI[.40,.87]).

Conclusions: The study provided insight into the link between CSs and employment in people with MS. These findings suggested the potential utility of identifying and bolstering CSs into improving employment outcomes, and integrating character strengths interventions during the rehabilitation process.

Author(s) Disclosures: No conflict of interest.