Background: Varied evidence shows that mindfulness-oriented meditation improves individuals’ mental
health, positively influencing practitioners’ personality profiles as well. A limited number of studies are
beginning to show that this type of meditation may also be a helpful therapeutic option for persons with
multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods: We evaluated the effects of an 8-week mindfulness-oriented meditation training on the personality
profiles, anxiety and depression symptoms, and mindfulness skills of a group of patients with MS. A
control group of patients with MS not enrolled in any training was also tested.
Results: After mindfulness-oriented meditation training, participants in this group (n = 15) showed
an increase in character traits reflecting the maturity of the self at the intrapersonal (self-directedness)
and interpersonal (cooperativeness) levels. Moreover, increased mindfulness and conscientiousness and
decreased trait anxiety were observed in participants after the training.
Conclusions: These data support the utility for patients with MS of therapeutic interventions based
on mindfulness meditation that may lead to enhanced character and self-maturity.
