Review article

PERSONALITY AND EMOTION REGULATION IN CHRONIC ILLNESS

Davide Guarino ; Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Gabriella Martino ; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
Giada Juli ; Psychiatric Studies Center, Iseo, Italy
Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe ; Department of History, Culture and Society, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

Abstract

Psychological functioning has a significant impact on the body since and represents a critical component in the management of chronic diseases, potentially affecting their onset, prognosis and trajectory. Chronic conditions may affect the increase of emotional distress, potentially leading to autonomic function dysregulation of both the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal. The present paper aims to summarize current research on the role of personality and emotion regulation in determining both physical and mental well-being of chronic patients with particular attention to cancer, psoriasis and asthma. Findings highlighted that despite their distinct clinical manifestations, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and psoriasis share important common features. In addition to the physical impact they have on patients, they show meaningful, bidirectional relationships with psychological functions and inner processes. Across these pathologies, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, immature defense mechanisms, and alexithymia were consistently found associated with poorer quality of life, reduced adherence to treatment and, consequently, worse prognoses.

Keywords

chronic diseases; personality; emotional regulation; well-being; integrated care

Hrčak ID:

344125

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/344125

Publication date:

20.9.2025.

Visits: 217 *