The pursuit of happiness: Social participation and happiness among minority individuals with multiple sclerosis.

There is a dearth of literature on the dynamics of psychosocial factors and their relation to social participation and happiness among racial and ethnic minorities with multiple sclerosis (MS). A total of 224 racial/ethnic minority participants with MS participated in the study. Using hierarchical regression analysis, the study investigated the extent to which participation in social roles and activities is associated with happiness among minority individuals with MS, controlling for demographic covariates, socioeconomic variables, disability related stress, and positive traits. The final model containing all predictor variables explained 64 % of the variance in happiness. These results showed that participation in social roles and activities is associated with happiness even after controlling sociodemographic, disability-related stress, and positive traits, showing the potential importance of social engagement. The findings provided preliminary support for the importance of social participation and positive psychological traits in improving happiness among minority individuals living with MS. These results may inform culturally responsive, person-centered rehabilitation practices that promote psychological flourishing through social engagement and inner strengths.