MS Research Portal

Website maintained by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

MS Research Portal is a recent initiative from the MS Society of Canada’s Research and Programs & Services departments to highlight Canadian research studies that are seeking participants. These studies must be supported by the MS Society of Canada or other recognized funding agencies that have a formal committee review process. Studies or projects related to pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, marketing research firms or other for-profit enterprises are not eligible to be posted on the MS Research Portal.

Studies

Study Title:	Understanding Adaptation in Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Cognitive Change, Personality, and Acceptance
Rationale:	Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects cognitive, emotional, and psychological functioning. While physical symptoms of MS are well documented, less is known about how individuals psychologically adapt to living with the condition over time. This study examines cognitive change, personality traits, coping patterns, and acceptance as factors related to resilience and emotional well being among adults living with MS in Canada. The goal is to better understand the psychological processes that support adaptation.
Study Description:	This research is a non commercial, academic Honours Psychology thesis conducted at Capilano University under faculty supervision and full Research Ethics Board approval (REB Protocol 2025-036-CAPS-ESKANDARI AND SCHIMANSKI; Approved February 9, 2026; Expiry February 9, 2027). The study uses a confidential online survey hosted on Capilano University’s licensed Qualtrics platform, with secure Canadian data storage. Participants will: Review an online consent form Complete demographic questions (age, gender, years since MS diagnosis) Complete short validated psychological measures, including: Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI); Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ); Fatigue Severity Scale; Brief coping style items; and respond to a small number of open ended reflection questions. Participation takes approximately 15–25 minutes. You may access the online survey here: https://capilanopsych.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cMxMVTyn1QuppAy No identifying information such as names, IP addresses, or contact details is collected. All data are confidential and analyzed in aggregate. Quotations, if used, will be fully de identified. The findings will be presented as part of an Honours Psychology thesis and may be shared at academic conferences or in future peer reviewed publications.
Starting Date:	2026-03-01
Ending Date:	2026-06-30
Who can participate:	Individuals who: Are 19 years of age or older Have received a clinical diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis Currently reside in Canada Are able to read English Have access to the internet to complete an online survey.
Trial Institution:	Capilano University, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Trial Investigator:	Sepideh Eskandari Principal Investigator Honours Psychology Student Supervisor: Dr. Lesley Schimanski, PhD Faculty, Department of Psychology Capilano University
Contact Information:	Sepideh Eskandari, sepideheskandari@my.capilanou.ca
Trial Funding:	This study does not receive external grant funding. This research is an undergraduate Honours thesis that is institutionally supported and academically sponsored by Capilano University through faculty supervision and Research Ethics Board oversight. The study is non-commercial and not affiliated with pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.