Stigma and Mental Health in Psoriasis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Huang Lijun, Feng Ziyou, Xu Chengfeng, Liao Yuan, Yan Yu, Yang Chenfan, Li Yu, Li Chun
Primary Institution: School of Nursing, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
Hypothesis
This study aimed to investigate the interrelationships between stigma, social appearance anxiety, alexithymia, and mental health in patients with psoriasis.
Conclusion
Stigma in psoriasis patients directly impacts their mental health and also influences it indirectly through social appearance anxiety and alexithymia.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with psoriasis experience moderate levels of stigma.
- Social appearance anxiety and alexithymia significantly mediate the relationship between stigma and mental health.
- The total score of social appearance anxiety was high, indicating significant anxiety related to appearance among patients.
- Alexithymia levels were also high, suggesting difficulties in emotional expression.
- Negative psychological health scores were low, indicating that while patients experience negative emotions, they do not meet the threshold for psychopathological diagnosis.
Takeaway
People with psoriasis often feel judged because of their skin, which can make them anxious and sad. This study shows that feeling stigmatized can hurt their mental health, but understanding and talking about these feelings can help.
Methodology
Patients were assessed using various scales, and structural equation modeling was conducted to explore the relationships among stigma, social appearance anxiety, alexithymia, and mental health.
Limitations
The study was conducted at a single hospital, limiting the generalizability of the findings, and it was cross-sectional, which does not establish causal relationships.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 317 psoriasis patients, with 54.26% male and 45.74% female, aged 18 to 76 years, with a mean age of 39.74 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% confidence intervals did not include zero for mediation effects.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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