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Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Gesture in Communication
Published on: January 26, 2024
Experiences of appearance conversations among young people living with a visible difference
Johanna Kling1, Kristin Billaud Feragen2
1Centre for Rare Disorders, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Abstract:
Stigmatisation surrounding having a visible difference to the face or body may have a marked impact on how young people communicate about appearance. The aim of our study was therefore to explore the experiences of appearance conversations among young people living with a visible difference. Interviews were conducted with 32 young people (mean age 14.1 years; 67.7% girls), with a condition resulting in a visible difference (e.g., craniofacial condition or scarring). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified three themes. Importance of Safety and Understanding reflects the importance of feeling safe in order to be able to talk about appearance. Participants described appearance conversations as often originating in their need for emotional support or practical assistance when encountering difficulties (Conversations When in Need of Support), but appearance was also experienced as a sensitive topic that was difficult to talk about (Avoiding Appearance Conversations). Our results highlight the importance of creating spaces where young people with a visible difference feel safe to bring up the topic of appearance when in need of support. Elements that facilitate such conversations include others having knowledge about the condition and having one's feelings and experiences validated instead of minimised.
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