Ital J Dermatol Venerol. 2026 May 21. doi: 10.23736/S2784-8671.26.08454-9. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis, with high prevalence of emotional distress and impaired quality of life (QoL). Autogenic training (AT), a relaxation method, was found to be effective for managing symptoms in chronic illnesses, including SSc.
METHODS: The current observational, longitudinal study aimed at evaluating the feasibility and the effects of a four-month AT program on dispositional traits, emotional regulation, coping strategies, and physical function perceptions in SSc patients.
RESULTS: This longitudinal observational study included 44 patients with confirmed SSc, from a dermatological research hospital. Participants underwent six therapist-guided AT sessions with daily self-practice. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Systemic Sclerosis Questionnaire (SySQ), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), COPE-NVI, and Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and Cohen’s d for effect sizes. Significant improvements were observed in SySQ scores (P<0.001, d=0.919), reflecting better QoL; in emotional regulation (P<0.001, d=1.255); in approach-oriented coping (P=0.005, d=0.489). Patients with specific personality traits (e.g., melancholic) showed greater QoL gains, while others (e.g., avoidant) reported worsened perceptions.
CONCLUSIONS: AT enhanced QoL, emotional regulation, and coping in SSc patients, though outcomes varied by personality traits. Personalizing interventions may optimize benefits according to patient’s psychological profiles.
PMID:42166115 | DOI:10.23736/S2784-8671.26.08454-9
