Compassion-focused self-help for skin conditions in individuals with insecure attachment: a pilot evaluation of acceptability and potential effectiveness

Interventions to Reduce Skin-related Self-stigma: A Systematic Review

Self-stigma beliefs are common among people with visible chronic skin diseases and can negatively affect their quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing. Hence, evidence-based interventions are urgently needed. The objective for this systematic review was to summarize research on available interventions and evaluate their benefits and limitations. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted an electronic database search of four databases (EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science). Studies were eligible if they (a) investigated interventions to reduce self-stigma in adults with chronic skin disease, (b) were original empirical articles, and (c) were written in English or German. Two independent reviewers conducted the abstract and full text screening as well as data extraction. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. The initial search yielded 5811 abstracts; of which, 23 records were eligible. Studies addressed a broad range of skin conditions, and interventions ranged from social skills training, counselling and self-help to psychosocial and behavioural interventions. Overall, interventions had mostly positive effects on self-stigma and related constructs. However, the study quality was heterogeneous, and further efforts to develop, thoroughly evaluate and implement interventions tackling self-stigma in multiple skin conditions and languages are warranted.

Mindfulness and self-compassion in dermatological conditions: a systematic narrative review

OBJECTIVE

People affected by chronic skin conditions suffer from elevated levels of psychological distress. There is a need for evidence-based treatments that integrate medical care. Mindfulness and Self-compassion programs (MCBPs) have proven effective in chronic diseases. This systematic review aims to narratively synthesize the literature on mindfulness and self-compassion as traits and interventions in chronic skin conditions.

DESIGN

We searched four electronic databases for mindfulness and self-compassion trials and correlational studies in chronic skin conditions. We narratively synthetized results regarding the effects of mindfulness and self-compassion, both as traits and as interventions, on psychological and disease outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in our review. Evidence from cross-sectional studies suggest that mindfulness and self-compassion are linked to lower psychological distress and better adjustment to the disease. MCBPs appear feasible for this population and can lower psychological distress, reduce disease severity and improve quality of life. Methodological issues limit conclusions on MCBP efficacy. Based on our analysis, we propose possible mechanisms that future research could explore.

CONCLUSIONS

The integration of MCBPs in the care process of chronic skin conditions appears promising. Definitive conclusions cannot be drawn due to a lack of strong evidence. Further studies with high methodological standards are needed.

A brief online writing intervention improves positive body image in adults living with dermatological conditions

Introduction

Dermatological conditions can affect how individuals feel about their bodies. This research therefore seeks to evaluate the potential for a brief writing intervention, focused on body functionality, to improve body image in adults living with a range of dermatological conditions.

Methods

As part of a parallel Randomised Controlled Trial, 451 adults living with a dermatological condition were randomized to either three functionality-based writing tasks or three creative writing tasks (control). Of these, 155 participants completed pre- and post-intervention measures of body appreciation, functionality appreciation, appearance anxiety, skin-related shame, and skin-related quality-of-life.

Results

For participants with relatively low or mid-range scores on baseline body appreciation and functionality appreciation, there were medium-to-large positive effects of the intervention. Effects were smaller, with all but-one remaining significant, at 1-month follow up and in intention-to-treat analyses. No between-group effects of the intervention were found for measures of appearance anxiety, skin-related shame, and skin-related quality-of-life.

Discussion

These findings suggest that a 1-week writing intervention has the potential to improve positive aspects of body image, but not appearance- and skin-related distress in adults living with a dermatological condition.

Clinical trial registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/history/NCT044459 74?V_3=View], identifier [NCT04445974].

A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial of Online Compassion-focused Self-Help for Psoriasis

BACKGROUND

People with psoriasis can experience psychological distress that might be amenable to psychosocial self-help.

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the feasibility and acceptability of two theoretically developed self-help interventions designed to reduce feelings of shame and improve quality of life.

METHODS

A randomised controlled feasibility trial was conducted with one hundred and thirty participants with psoriasis who were randomly allocated to receive either compassion-based self-help (n =65) or mindfulness-based self-help (n =65), over a four-week period.

RESULTS

The interventions were found to be acceptable with over 70% of study completers reported finding the materials helpful. Ninety-two participants completed the study with attrition at 30%. Both interventions showed modest yet statistically significant reductions in shame (d = .20) and improvements in quality of life (d = .40).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-help based on compassion and mindfulness is acceptable to users and can reduce feelings of shame and improve quality of life for people living with psoriasis.