Association between alexithymia and lower quality of life in patients with psoriasis: a cross-sectional differential study

Background Psoriasis vulgaris affects 90% of individuals with psoriasis, leading to a significant burden, reduced quality of life, and often psychopathology. Although alexithymia has been identified as a predictor of psychopathology, there is a need for studies that specifically examine its role in quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the association between alexithymia and quality of life and identify significant differences according to varying levels of alexithymia. Participants and procedure One hundred and thirty-nine patients with psoriasis vulgaris aged between 18 and 83 years old (M = 29.65, SD = 14.16) were recruited to the study. The diagnostic protocol consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and SF-36. Descriptive, correlational, regression and differential analyses were performed. Results Correlational analyses highlighted significant negative associations between alexithymia and quality of life. Regression analyses further identified alexithymia as a significant statistical predictor of lower quality of life. Significant differences were observed between non-alexithymic and borderline subjects, highlighting a threshold that is particularly relevant for understanding the association between alexithymia and quality of life. Conclusions Alexithymia was significantly associated with lower quality of life and emerged as a significant statistical predictor of poorer quality of life. Even borderline levels of alexithymia were associated with lower quality of life. The relationship between alexithymia and quality of life of patients with psoriasis should be further investigated to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing this burden.