Mindfulness and Self-Compassion in Dermatology Patients: A Qualitative-Quantitative Study of a Group Intervention.

Journal title PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE
Author/s Oriana Mosca, Giulia Zucca, Giulia Ulivi, Annamaria Tupputi, Antonella Silletti, Mattia Mocenni, Marco Guicciardi, Paola Mamone
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2026/3
Language Italian Pages 23 P. 69-91 File size 299 KB
DOI 10.3280/PDS2026-003007
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Introduction: People with chronic dermatologic diseases represent a particularly vulnerable segment of the population also due to the development of psychosocial issues related to the underlying diagnosis. The manifestations associated with the disease can have important psychological repercussions by facilitating the onset of anxiety, depression, and psychosocial distress. This project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention of mindfulness-oriented group psychological support. Method: A research intervention was conducted between March 2022 and March 2024, in which 26 psoriatic and dermatological patients in the experimental group and 20 patients in the control group contacted by the APIAFCO Association participated. A questionnaire measuring several psychological variables aimed at investigating the effectiveness of the intervention was administered. Results: Pre-post/experimental-control statistical comparisons (2x2 mixed factorial MANOVA) recorded a more pronounced decrease in impairment of dermatological quality of life in the experimental group and more pronounced levels of stress and anxiety in the control group; there was an increase in levels of Positive Affect and Self-Compassion in the experimental group and a decrease in them in the control group. Conclusions: This study explored the factors influencing the quality of life of patients with dermatological diseases. The data confirm the effectiveness of the intervention. Future research with a more representative sample and follow-up may provide further valuable information on the effectiveness of mindfulness-oriented group interventions.

Keywords: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, group intervention, mindfulness, health psychology.

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Oriana Mosca, Giulia Zucca, Giulia Ulivi, Annamaria Tupputi, Antonella Silletti, Mattia Mocenni, Marco Guicciardi, Paola Mamone, Mindfulness e auto-compassione in pazienti dermatologici: uno studio quali-quantitativo su intervento di gruppo in "PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE" 3/2026, pp 69-91, DOI: 10.3280/PDS2026-003007