Psychological predictors of functioning in patients with asthma.

BACKGROUND

Psychological characteristics significantly modify the impact of asthma on overall functioning. The emotional burden associated with the disease interacts with somatic symptoms, while individual differences in stress perception, self-esteem, and coping resources influence patients' adaptation to chronic illness. Therefore, systematic assessment of psychological factors is essential for planning therapeutic interventions and optimizing patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the role of psychological traits in the functioning of patients with asthma and to identify its main predictors.

METHODS

The study included patients with asthma and a control group of healthy individuals. Participants were assessed using the Functioning in Chronic Illness Scale (FCIS), the Asthma Control Test (ACT), and standardized psychological instruments measuring variables such as self-esteem, illness acceptance, and depression. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were performed to identify independent predictors of functioning.

RESULTS

Overall functioning in the asthma group was moderate. Regression analyses indicated that psychological variables were significant predictors of functioning outcomes. Illness acceptance and self-esteem emerged as key independent predictors, particularly in the emotional and social domains. Lower psychological resources and higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with poorer functioning. Although no significant differences in general psychological measures were observed between the asthma and control groups, these variables significantly predicted functioning within the asthma group. A tendency toward poorer functioning was also observed among patients with lower levels of asthma control.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological characteristics constitute important predictors of functioning in asthma. Their systematic assessment may improve identification of patients at risk of impaired functioning and support more targeted therapeutic interventions.