Abstract
Racial/ethnic minorities with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience intensified challenges due to systemic inequities, cultural factors, and stigma. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between disability-related stress and the ability to engage in social roles and responsibilities among minorities with MS. A total of 224 participants were included in the study. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between disability-related stress and social participation after controlling demographic variables, socioeconomic covariates, and perceived functional limitations. Our findings demonstrated that after controlling all other variables, increased levels of disability-related stress were negatively associated with ability to participate in social roles and responsibilities (β = -.420, p < 0.05). Overall, the entire model containing all predictor variables explained 48% of the variance in ability to participate in social roles and responsibilities (R=.695, R(2)=.483, ΔR(2)=.081, F(13, 221)=14.923, p < 0.05). Findings provided some implications for professionals to address disability-related stress and provide individualized support to promote social participation among minorities with MS.