Comparing the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral and emotion-oriented group therapy on reducing the symptoms of Psoriasis, psychological distress and perception of body image

The purpose of this research was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral and emotion-focused group therapy on reducing the symptoms of psoriasis, psychological distress and perception of body image.

This was a semi-experimental research of pretest posttest type with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all patients who were diagnosed with psoriasis in spring of 2022 by referring to dermatologists in Mashhad. 45 psoriasis patients were selected by available sampling method and replaced randomly in two experimental groups (CBT and EFT) and control group (each groups 15). The experimental groups was treated for 8 sessions, one session of 90 minutes per week. The control group received no intervention. Parents completed the Psychological Distress Scale, Body Image Concern Inventory and the Physical Symptoms Questionnaire with Psoriasis Area Severity Index before and after the treatment sessions. The data were analyzed by Analysis of covariance. 

The findings showed that cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused reduced psychological distress (P<0.01, F=21.06), improved perception of body image (P<0.01, F=33.65) and reducing the severity of psoriasis symptoms (P>0.01, F=12.67) are effective. Also, cognitive behavioral therapy is more effective method to reduce psychological distress and improve perception of body image (P<0.01). However, there is no significant difference between the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy and emotion-focused therapy in reducing psoriasis symptoms of patients (P<0.05).

Both therapies can play a key and effective role in controlling the symptoms of psoriasis.