Abstract. Background. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease affecting body image and self-esteem. Objective. This study aimed to assess the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on self-esteem and body image of lupus patients. Material and methods. The present pre-test and post-test design study was done in the Lupus Clinic of Yazd (Iran) in 2017. Forty-five lupus patients referred to the Clinic were selected by convenience sampling. The study participants received CBT during six thirty-minute sessions. Every individual filled the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results. Significant difference was found between pre-test and post-test scores in self-esteem and in the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale, Appearance Orientation and Appearance Evaluation subscales (p < 0.001 for all), but not in the Overweight Preoccupation and Self-Classified Weight subscales (p > 0.05). Conclusion. According to our results, CBT positively affects body image satisfaction and self-esteem in SLE patients.

Key words: cognitive behavioral therapy, self-esteem, body image, lupus

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