The current research aimed at finding a link between the amount of experienced clinical itch and amount of avoidance in male and female psoriasis patients. Itch due to psoriasis can cause decreased...Show moreThe current research aimed at finding a link between the amount of experienced clinical itch and amount of avoidance in male and female psoriasis patients. Itch due to psoriasis can cause decreased quality of life. However, research on the physiological effects of itch and psoriasis is limited. Based on a pain related theoretical framework it was deemed possible that avoidance of itch related cues might be present in psoriasis patients. Information from this research might be relevant for attention-related therapy for itch patients. First, it was expected that psoriasis patients avoided itch-related stimuli (H1). Secondly, it was expected that these avoidance reactions were predicted by the amount of experienced clinical itch. (H2). Thirdly, it was expected that male gender had a stronger moderating effect on this relationship (H3). Lastly, it was expected that male gender predicts the amount of avoidance stronger (H4). This was measured in a sample of N=49, of which 53.1% were male, through an approach-avoidance task (AAT) with itch and non-itch related pictures and faster reaction times indicating stronger approach or avoidance. Experienced clinical itch was measured through a self-report item on the ISDL. Statistical analyses were performed with two regression analyses, a paired samples t-test and a moderation analysis. No significant effects were found and all hypotheses were rejected. From the current research did not appear a link between the amount of experienced clinical itch and avoidance reactions. This did not differ between gender. Future research including patients suffering from moderate to severe itch (as opposed to the current sample), a larger sample size and avoidance measurements with a higher reliability is recommended.Show less
