RESEARCH ADVANCES IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY OF CHRONIC DISEASES.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

• Chronic diseases are a major global health challenge, exacerbated by aging and lifestyle.
• Clinical psychology is vital for understanding and managing the psychological aspects of chronic illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize research on the bidirectional relationship between psychological factors and chronic disease.
• To highlight advances in theoretical models, empirical findings, and clinical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis focusing on psychological factors like defense mechanisms, alexithymia, and psychological flexibility.
• Analysis of their impact on chronic disease progression and psychosomatic well-being.

Main Results:

• Mature defense mechanisms correlate with better psychosomatic well-being.
• Immature defenses and alexithymia are linked to increased distress and poorer health perception.
• Psychological flexibility demonstrates a protective role in mental health and functioning.

Conclusions:

• Understanding psychological underpinnings is crucial for chronic illness management.
• Individual differences in emotional regulation and coping require further investigation.
• Longitudinal studies and integrating psychological variables into care pathways are recommended.