Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Improve Quality of Life among People with Psoriasis: A Literature Review

Raphita Diorarta; Dwiyantoro

doi:10.19166/ncjk.v14i1.11048

Authors

Raphita Diorarta Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta
Dwiyantoro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19166/ncjk.v14i1.11048

Keywords:

cognitive behavioral therapy, psoriasis, psychological distress, quality of life, literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease often accompanied by severe psychosocial impacts. Patients frequently report body image disturbance, embarrassment, social stigma, and decreased social participation, ultimately contributing to a reduced quality of life. This literature review aims to critically synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in improving the quality of life of patients with psoriasis from psychological perspective. Methods: This writing uses the literature review method by identifying PICO (Population/Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). A literature search was conducted from January 2026 to March 2025 through various scientific databases such as Wiley Online, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Results: The literature review identified two major themes regarding the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in improving the quality of life of patients with psoriasis. The first theme highlights the role of CBT in reducing psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, emotional stress, and negative body image, as a primary pathway to improve quality of life. The second theme emphasizes the modification of maladaptive behaviors into adaptive coping strategies, leading to improved social functioning, daily activities, and interpersonal relationships. Recommendations: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy should be considered as an adjunctive intervention in the comprehensive management of psoriasis to improve patients’s psychological well-being and quality of life. Further research with larger samples and long-term follow-up is recommended to strengthen the evidence regarding its sustained effectiveness across diverse patient populations.

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