Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
1. Department of Psychology, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7333-9467. R300ahmadpoor2902@gmail.com
2
2. Department of Humanities, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran. hidden.bagheri1988@yahoo.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7907-2958
3
3. Department of Psychology, Yasouj Branch, IsIamic Azad University, Yasouj, Iran. masomebahmani62@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8939-0264.
4
4. Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran. asemanekhiall@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9350-545X
5
5. Department of Psychology, shiraz Branch, lslamic Azad University, Shiraz, ran emaili.taji.n5064@gmail.com.https://www.orcid.org/0009-0003-1183-502X.
10.30491/ijbs.2026.559331.2286
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with autoimmune diseases often experience persistent physical and psychological difficulties due to chronic inflammatory conditions that impair immune function. These ongoing challenges can disrupt adaptive emotional regulation and increase psychological distress. Recognizing the emotional component in chronic illness management, this study examined the effectiveness of Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) in improving cognitive emotion regulation among patients with autoimmune diseases.
Method: A quasi experimental pre-test, post-test, and follow up design was used with experimental and control groups. Thirty-two patients attending research clinics in Shiraz during late 2023 were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to the two groups. The experimental group received ten 60-minute EFT sessions twice weekly, while the control group received no psychological intervention. Data were collected using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Analyses were performed with SPSS 27, including descriptive statistics, ANCOVA with repeated measures, Bonferroni post hoc tests, and Mann–Whitney U tests (α = 0.05).
Results: A marginally significant difference was found between groups in self-blame at post-test (P = 0.020) and a significant difference at follow up (P < 0.05). Other blame differed significantly only at follow up (P < 0.001), showing a reduction in the experimental group (P = 0.015). Significant between group differences were observed for rumination (P < 0.001) and acceptance (P < 0.05) at both post-test and follow-up. Positive refocusing and catastrophizing showed no significant differences.
Conclusion: EFT appears to improve cognitive emotion regulation in patients with autoimmune disease by reducing maladaptive strategies such as self-blame and rumination and strengthening acceptance, thus supporting emotional well-being alongside standard medical treatment.
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