Emotional regulation and personality in systemic sclerosis: evaluating autogenic training in real-world setting

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.

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.

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.

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.