Not just 'skin deep': psychosocial effects of dermatological-related social anxiety in a sample of acne patients

J Health Psychol. 2008 Jan;13(1):47-54. doi: 10.1177/1359105307084311.

Abstract

This study examined links between anxiety pertaining to having one's skin evaluated by others and intention to participate in sport/exercise, general self-esteem and dermatological quality of life. Data assessing dermatological-related social anxiety, perceived acne severity, intention to participate in sport/exercise, self-esteem and dermatological quality of life were obtained from 50 acne patients. Results showed dermatological-related social anxiety to be negatively associated with intention to participate in sport/exercise, self-esteem and dermatological quality of life. The relationship between patient-rated acne severity and outcome variables was found to be partially mediated by reported levels of dermatological-related social anxiety. The current findings suggest that how one perceives their skin to be evaluated by others has implications for self-perceptions and may act as a barrier to sport/exercise participation.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / psychology*
  • Adult
  • Anxiety*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Quality of Life
  • Self Concept
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom