Fundamentals of Mental Health

Fundamentals of Mental Health

Presenting a causal model of self-awareness in patients with multiple sclerosis based on visual-spatial development and perceived physical fitness; the mediating role of self-control (application of path analysis)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mehdi Yousefvand 1
Ahmad Haghi 2
Zahra Ziar 3
Zolaikha Zarei 4
1 Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Faculty member of Psychology Department, Delfan Higher Education Center, Lorestan University, Iran.
3 M.Sc. in general psychology, Islamic Azad University, Branch of Borujard, Borujard, Iran.
4 M.Sc. in educational psychology, Payam Noor University of Javanroud, Javanroud, Iran.
10.22038/JFMH.2025.82054.3159
Abstract
Introduction: The present study aimed to present a causal model of self-awareness in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients based on visual-spatial development and perceived physical fitness with the mediating role of self-control.
 
Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this correlational study included all patients with MS in Borujerd, Iran, in 2023-2024, of which 300 people were selected by convenience sampling. The questionnaires of visual-spatial development, perceived physical fitness, self-control, and self-awareness were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and AMOS software.
 
Results: The findings showed that visual-spatial development affected self-control (β= 0.54 and value 8.09) and self-awareness (β= 0.67 and value 11.76); perceived physical fitness had an effect on self-control (β=0.59 and value 9.96) and self-awareness (β= 0.55 and value 8.85) and self-control affected self-awareness (β= 0.47 and value 6.70) (P< 0.01). The findings also showed that the present model explained 33 percent of the variance in self-control and 42 percent of the variance in self-awareness. In addition, self-control plays a role as a mediating variable in the relationship between exogenous variables and self-awareness.
 
Conclusion: According to the results, increasing self-control and consequently increasing the level of visual-spatial development and perceived physical fitness will improve the level of self-awareness in patients with MS. This suggests that relevant authorities should pay more attention to the role of self-control as a mediating variable.
Keywords
Perceived physical fitness
Self-awareness
Self-control
Visual-spatial development
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Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 27, Issue 2
2025
Pages 79-86