Based on “teleological coherence” hypothesis, all of the systems of an organism aim to achieve a common goal and when the boundaries between self/nonself are broken in one system, the possibility that they will be destroyed in other systems is increased. On this basis the present study aimed to investigate self-destructive tendencies and integrative self-knowledge of MS patients (N = 88) and normal participants (N = 130). 88 MS patients and 130 students of University of Tehran completed scales measuring the following aspects: Integrative-Self-Knowledge (ISK), mindfulness (MAAS), self-control (SCS), Interpersonal problems (IIP), Self-Harm (SHI), and masochism. Results showed that MS patients scored significantly higher than normal subjects in masochism, interpersonal sensitivity and aggression while scores of MS patients were lower in Integrative Self-Knowledge (ISK). Based on these results, disharmony in one system is accompanied by disharmony in other systems. Therapeutic implications suggest that in order to reduce the disharmony in one system, we should improve disharmony in other systems. Thus, psychological interventions that promote self-interest in MS patients may be effective in improving immunological symptoms in these patients.

Keywords: teleological coherence, harmony of perpose, self-destruction, autoimmune disease

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