Basic emotions reported by individuals with persistent physical symptoms receiving exposure therapy versus healthy lifestyle promotion in primary care.

ABSTRACT: The importance of fear has been emphasized in research and treatment focusing on persistent physical symptoms (PPS). Recognizing a broader range of emotions may inform theory and personalized care. This study aimed to examine what basic emotions individuals with PPS experience related to their physical symptoms, the correlations between such emotions and overall somatic symptom burden and disability, and whether emotions change with treatment. Analyses drew on data from a randomized controlled trial that compared internet-delivered exposure therapy with healthy lifestyle promotion for patients with PPS (n = 159), supplemented by data from age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (n = 160). Participants self-reported emotions related to their physical symptoms. Mean differences were evalu

SUBMITTER: Hybelius J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12920773 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature