Systemic Sclerosis Patients Experiencing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: The Beneficial Effect on Their Psychological Status and Quality of Life

Khadija El Aoufy (), Arianna Pezzutto, Alessandra Pollina, Laura Rasero, Stefano Bambi, Silvia Bellando-Randone, Serena Guiducci, Susanna Maddali-Bongi and Marco Matucci Cerinic
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Khadija El Aoufy: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
Arianna Pezzutto: School of Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Alessandra Pollina: Center for Mindfulness Certified MBSR, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
Laura Rasero: Department of Health Science, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Stefano Bambi: Department of Health Science, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Silvia Bellando-Randone: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
Serena Guiducci: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
Susanna Maddali-Bongi: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
Marco Matucci Cerinic: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-10

Abstract: Psychological concerns in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients represent an important issue and should be addressed through non-pharmacological treatments. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on psychological variables and the perspectives and experiences of patients with an SSc diagnosis. Notably, 32 SSc patients were enrolled and assigned to either the intervention (MBSR) group or the waitlist group. Inclusion criteria were (i) age ≥ 18 years, SSc diagnosis according to EULAR/ACR diagnostic criteria and informed consent. Exclusion criteria were previous participation in any Mind-Body Therapy or psychiatric diagnosis. Quantitative and qualitative outcomes were investigated through clinometric questionnaires and individual interviews. MBSR did not significantly impact outcomes such as physical functionality, anxiety, hopelessness, depression, physical health status, perceived stress, mindfulness and mental health status. For the anger evaluation, statistically significant differences are found for both controlling and expressing anger, indicating that the MBSR program had a favorable impact. As for qualitative results, more awareness of daily activities, stress reduction in terms of recognizing the causes and implementing self-strategies to prevent them, adherence to therapy, and recognition of the effect of medication on their bodies were reported. In conclusion, it is important to highlight the absence of negative or side effects of the MBSR program and the positive impact on patients’ experience and perspective; thus, we suggest this approach should be taken into account for SSc patients.

Keywords: Systemic Sclerosis; scleroderma; rheumatology; Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR); mindfulness; health-related quality of life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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