Exploring Emotional Regulation in Psychosis: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives

Introduction The role of emotional regulation (ER) has emerged as a key mechanism associated with psychosis with important implications for its onset and maintenance. However, knowledge about ER in psychosis has been predominantly quantitative, often neglecting patients’ own perceptions of the difficulties they experience when dealing with their emotions. Objectives To address this gap, we have undertaken a qualitative study to investigate ER in individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder using semi-structured interviews. Given the qualitative nature of the study, we have no specific hypotheses. Instead, we aim to explore the stages of emotional regulation and the factors that influence ER in people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, aligning our investigation with existing theoretical models. Methods Patient recruitment and data collection are in progress. Thematic analyses will be carried out. Results Results will be presented during the European Congress of Psychiatry. Conclusions We expect that this study will provide a deeper understanding of ER from the individuals’ perspectives and enrich ER literature and theoretical models related to clinical populations. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the development of quantitative studies to test new hypotheses and design individual-tailored psychological interventions aimed at improving ER in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Disclosure of Interest None Declared