Perceived Stress, Stress Coping Strategies, and Body Image Among Facial Dermatosis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Psychosocial Health
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Visible skin conditions like facial and trunk dermatosis can significantly impact psychosocial well-being.
• The location of dermatosis may influence the severity of its psychological effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare quality of life, anxiety, depression, stress, coping strategies, and body image between patients with facial and trunk dermatosis.
• To identify differences in psychosocial outcomes based on dermatosis location.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 120 dermatosis patients (60 facial, 60 trunk) and 60 healthy controls.
• Utilized validated scales: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Stress Coping Attitudes Inventory (SCAI), and Body Image Scale (BIS).

Main Results:

• Trunk dermatosis patients reported significantly higher DLQI, HADS, and PSS scores, and lower Body Image Scale (BIS) scores compared to facial dermatosis patients and controls.
• Trunk dermatosis was associated with higher avoidance coping strategies, while facial dermatosis was linked to better acceptance and cognitive restructuring.
• Anxiety (HADS-Anxiety) was a key determinant of both quality of life (DLQI) and perceived stress (PSS).

Conclusions:

• Trunk dermatosis leads to greater psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, depression, and negative body image, significantly impacting quality of life.
• Positive coping strategies in facial dermatosis patients may mitigate negative psychosocial effects compared to the predominantly negative strategies observed in trunk dermatosis patients.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering dermatosis location and associated coping mechanisms in managing patient well-being.