Expected stigma and life satisfaction in multiple sclerosis: The mediating role of psychological and social well-being

This study examined the mediating role of psychological and social well-being in the relationship between anticipated stigma and life satisfaction in individuals with MS. The sample included 495 MS patients aged 18 and older, recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated scales for anticipated stigma, psychological well-being, social well-being, and life satisfaction. Analyses were conducted with SPSS 25 and PROCESS Macro (Model 4), with anticipated stigma as the independent variable, life satisfaction as the dependent variable, and psychological and social well-being as mediators. Anticipated stigma negatively affected psychological well-being ( B  = −0.359, p  < 0.001) and social well-being ( B  = −0.512, p  < 0.001). The total effect on life satisfaction was also negative ( B  = −0.213, β = −0.420, p  < 0.001). Including mediators reduced but did not eliminate the direct effect ( B  = −0.081, β = −0.160, p  < 0.001), indicating partial mediation. Enhancing psychological and social well-being may buffer the negative effects of stigma on life satisfaction. Awareness-raising and longitudinal studies are recommended.