In addition to physical consequences, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be associated with psychological problems such as internalized shame and reduced quality of life. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of schema therapy on internalized shame and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The method of the present study was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up with a control group. The statistical population of the study included all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus referred to Imam Hossein (AS) Hospital in Tehran between Mehr and Azar 1404. Among the eligible individuals, 30 people were selected through purposive sampling and after initial matching, they were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (15 people) and control groups (15 people). The experimental group underwent schema therapy intervention based on the young model for 8 sessions of 90 minutes, and the control group did not receive any intervention. Data collection tools included the Cook Internalized Shame Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and SPSS version 26 software. The results showed that schema therapy significantly reduced internalized shame and significantly improved the quality of life of patients with lupus compared to the control group (P<0.01). Also, the effects of the intervention remained stable at the two-month follow-up stage. Based on the research findings, schema therapy can be used as an effective psychological intervention in reducing the psychological consequences of lupus and improving the quality of life of these patients by modifying early maladaptive schemas, reducing dysfunctional cognitive and emotional patterns, and strengthening self-acceptance.
