Validity study for the stigmatization experience in atopic dermatitis and psoriatic patients

A central experience of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis is the feeling of stigmatization. This can be estimated by the "Questionnaire on Experience with Skin Complaints" (QES), based on the "Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire" by Ginsburg & Link. This study was designed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the QES, especially the validity of this questionnaire, and to supply more information about the stigmatization experiences of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Three groups of patients were analysed: 76 with atopic dermatitis, 81 and 217 with psoriasis, respectively. The comparison of subgroups with different affected regions revealed that the genital region is especially relevant for the stigmatization experience in these patients. In addition, the feeling of stigmatization (estimated by the QES) is relatively independent of the different dimensions of the "Trier Scales of Coping with Diseases", except for the depressive coping style "Rumination" measuring a high amount of inner concern with the afflicting disease. It can be concluded that the QES is a valid and reliable instrument for examining the stigmatization experience of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.