Cognitive Distortions and their Relationship to Avoidant Personality Symptoms in a Sample of Dialysis Patients in Jordan

Abstract

Background & Statement of the problem: Individuals suffering from renal failure require care and attention not only for their physical needs but also for their psychological and mental well-being. They develop numerous psychological symptoms that negatively impact all aspects of their lives, including family, social, and professional aspects, due to their illness, kidney dialysis process and inability to fully participate in life as before the disease.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify cognitive distortions and their relationship to avoidant personality symptoms in dialysis patients using a descriptive correlational approach. The study sample consisted of 288 male and female patients selected using the available method.

Methods:The study developed scales for cognitive distortions and symptoms of avoidant personality disorder, and the validity and reliability of the scales were verified.

Results: The study showed that the answers of the study sample individuals to the dimensions of cognitive abnormalities and symptoms of avoidance personality disorder were all at a middle level and that the most common cognitive abnormalities were “dichotomous Thinking. “The findings showed a link between avoidance-related symptoms and cognitive problems (excessive generalization, personality, disastrous thinking, selective abstraction, and ignorance of positives). There is no connection between symptoms of avoidance personality disorder and cognitive distortions
(dichotomous Thinking, magnification).

Conclusions (Recommendations and contributions):  The study recommended the importance of offering therapy programs to dialysis patients that involve reducing illogical thought and cognitive impairments to aid in adaptation.