New study highlights the benefits of mindful self-compassion for people with multiple sclerosis
A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto (U of T) has found that mindful self-compassion (MSC) training may offer valuable emotional and social support for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The study was led by Claire Zhang, a medical student at U of T, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Simpson, Associate Professor of Medicine and Physiatrist at the University Health Network and Unity Health Toronto, and Jillian Scandiffio, a PhD candidate at U of T.
People with MS often experience high rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can affect their quality of life. To better understand how MSC might help address these challenges, the researchers explored participants' experiences in an online MSC course delivered as part of a feasibility trial. The study examined the program’s accessibility, perceived benefits, and opportunities for improvement.
While mindfulness focuses on paying attention to the present moment with openness and without judgment, mindful self-compassion takes the practice a step further by emphasizing how we respond to ourselves during difficult times. For example, someone might recognize, “I’m feeling really stressed right now,” and then ask, “How can I respond to myself with some kindness rather than criticizing myself for feeling this way?”
“What drew me to this study is realizing how much of living with MS is about uncertainty,” says Claire. “There’s the medical side of managing the disease, but there’s also the emotional experience of not knowing what the future might look like, and having to adapt to changes in your body, your relationships, and your life more generally.”
Previous research has shown that self-compassion is associated with better coping and lower levels of emotional distress among people with MS. Building on this evidence, the research team wanted to better understand what it would be like for individuals to actively learn and practice these skills.
Claire first joined Dr. Simpson’s research team as a summer student and quickly became involved in every stage of the project, from study development and participant recruitment to intervention delivery and data analysis.
“One of the things I’ve really appreciated about working with Dr. Simpson is how much he encourages students to take ownership of their work while still providing a lot of guidance and support,’ says Claire.
The study revealed the many uncertainties people with MS face, including concerns about employment, relationships, independence, identity, and future plans. Several participants noted that they wanted more support in addressing the emotional aspects of living with MS, highlighting the importance of mental and emotional well-being as part of overall healthcare.
“One of the things that stood out to me most was how much people valued simply being around other people with MS who understand and validate their experiences,” says Claire. “People often talked about feeling comforted and relieved when understanding they weren’t the only one going through these experiences.”
For many participants, the sense of connection that developed during the program became one of its most meaningful aspects. At the end of the eight-week study period, several participants did not want to lose the supportive community they had built. Their responses suggested that social connection and psychological safety were not merely added benefits of the course, but central components of the experience.
“The study also made it clear that accessibility matters,” says Claire. “People appreciated being able to participate online, especially when fatigue, mobility, transportation, or work schedules could make attending something in-person difficult.”
