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Guest E, Halliwell E, Mathews A, Alleva J, Harcourt D. More than my appearance: a pilot evaluation of the expand your Horizon Online functionality-based writing programme for adults with visible differences. Health Psychol Behav Med 2024; 12:2349004. [PMID: 38738214 PMCID: PMC11085943 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2024.2349004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adults with conditions that affect their appearance, known as visible differences, can experience appearance concerns, social anxiety, and depression. Interventions have been developed for this population to facilitate adjustment and coping skills; however, they have limited evidence of efficacy. The Expand Your Horizon [Alleva, J. M., Martijn, C., Van Breukelen, G. J., Jansen, A., & Karos, K. (2015). Expand Your Horizon: A programme that improves body image and reduces self-objectification by training women to focus on body functionality. Body Image, 15, 81-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.07.001] online functionality-based writing programme was adapted for adults with visible differences. Method A pilot randomised controlled trial with a wait-list control group was carried out to assess preliminary intervention efficacy and gain information about the acceptability and feasibility of the programme. Forty-four adults aged 21-63 years (M = 40.21; SD = 12.05) with visible differences took part. Various facets of body image (i.e. functionality appreciation and body appreciation) as well as depression and anxiety were assessed immediately pre- and post-intervention and at three-months. Results Participants reported enjoying the programme, felt that the format was acceptable, and it significantly increased functionality appreciation, which was maintained at three-months. However, there were no improvements in body appreciation, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions In future, a full trial should be carried out with an active control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Guest
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK
| | - Emma Halliwell
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK
| | - Abbi Mathews
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK
| | - Jessica Alleva
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Harcourt
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK
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Willemse H, Geenen R, Egberts MR, Engelhard IM, Van Loey NE. Perceived stigmatization and fear of negative evaluation: Two distinct pathways to body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem in burn survivors. Psychol Health 2023; 38:445-458. [PMID: 34436936 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1970160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scars resulting from burn injury can pose social and psychological problems that may affect body image and self-esteem. This study aimed to investigate whether burn severity, age and female gender are associated with body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem, through an association with perceived stigmatization and fear or negative evaluation. DESIGN & MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Burn survivors (N = 224) completed the Fear of Negative Evaluation scale (FNE) and the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (PSQ) at 3 months post-burn, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSE) and the Satisfaction with Appearance scale (SWAP) at 6 months post-burn. Path analysis was used to test the relationships. RESULTS Body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem were moderately associated. Burn severity was directly and indirectly associated with body image dissatisfaction through perceived stigmatization. Female gender and age were indirectly associated with body image dissatisfaction though fear of negative evaluation. Age was indirectly associated with both perceived stigmatization and fear of negative evaluation. Perceived stigmatization and fear of negative evaluation were associated with self-esteem through body image dissatisfaction, the first indirectly and the latter both directly and indirectly. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight that both burn-specific factors and psychological vulnerability should be taken into account to deal with social challenges that may affect body image and self-esteem after burns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Willemse
- Department of Behavioural Research, Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rinie Geenen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marthe R Egberts
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Iris M Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nancy E Van Loey
- Department of Behavioural Research, Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Millgård M, Feragen KB, Ullmann Miller J, Arfa S, Williamson H, Kling J. Adolescents and parents' perception of Young Person's Face IT: An online intervention for adolescents struggling with conditions affecting their appearance. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221147110. [PMID: 36601286 PMCID: PMC9806409 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221147110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective A visible difference in appearance caused by a congenital or acquired condition can negatively affect adolescents' psychosocial well-being. Young Person's Face IT (YPF) is an online intervention based on cognitive behavioural therapy and social skills training, developed to help adolescents who struggle with adjusting to a visible difference. The objective of the present study was to explore adolescents' and parents' perceptions of the intervention's relevance and usefulness in supporting young people with appearance-related psychosocial concerns. Methods Participants were adolescents (N = 76, aged 11-18) and parents (N = 15), recruited in a larger randomised controlled trial aiming at evaluating YPF. This qualitative study with descriptive data includes adolescents' ratings on YPF's usefulness, and interview data from adolescents and parents on their experiences with YPF. The interviews were analysed using a thematic approach. Results Results indicated that YPF was experienced as useful and relevant. Interviews showed that adolescents felt validated through the programme's content, discovered that other young people had similar experiences and felt that YPF could contribute to changing self-perceptions for the better. However, results could not confirm whether perceived usefulness led to the development and use of new social skills in real-life situations. Conclusion This study offers new perspectives on the relevance and usefulness of YPF in supporting adolescents with appearance-related psychosocial concerns. Findings suggest that updates and modifications are required so that YPF stays relevant and useful for adolescents in need of support. Trial registration number NCT03165331.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moa Millgård
- Centre for Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Moa Millgård, Centre for Rare Disorders,
Oslo University Hospital, PB 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | - Shahrzad Arfa
- Centre for Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi Williamson
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of
England, Bristol, UK
| | - Johanna Kling
- Centre for Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Carvalho C, Marinho AS, Barbosa-Sequeira J, Correia MR, Banquart-Leitão J, Carvalho F. Quality of life after otoplasty for prominent ears in children. ACTA OTORRINOLARINGOLOGICA ESPANOLA 2022:S2173-5735(22)00118-1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.otoeng.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Educational Reward and Punishment and the Effect of Psychological Intervention on Adolescent Depression. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:3919519. [PMID: 36111067 PMCID: PMC9470316 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3919519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Teenage depression, also known as TD, is a common mental illness that is characterized by symptoms such as hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, depression, and decreased energy. It has always been a hot topic to discuss how rewards and punishments work in education. In order to prevent and treat adolescent depression, this study examines the mechanisms of educational reinforcement and punishment as well as psychological interventions. In this study, the activated brain regions are analyzed using data mining (DM) technology to determine whether they are significantly more or less active than the rest of the brain of students who are not experiencing negative emotions. When the word vector has 90 dimensions, the results demonstrate that the average F1 value of the weighted word vector method is 81.3 percent. It has been established that the approach taken in this work offers a reliable way to diagnose TD.
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van Dalen M, Pasmans SGMA, Aendekerk EWC, Mathijssen IMJ, Koudstaal MJ, Williamson H, Hillegers MHJ, Utens EMWJ, Okkerse JME. Acceptability and feasibility of an online psychosocial intervention for Dutch adolescents with a visible difference: A mixed-methods study. Body Image 2022; 41:298-307. [PMID: 35378339 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents with a visible difference can experience difficult social situations, (e.g., people staring or making unwanted comments) and are at risk for mental health problems. Unfortunately, interventions for adolescents with a visible difference experiencing appearance-related distress are scarce and lack an evidence-base. This study tests the acceptability and feasibility of YP Face IT, an innovative online psychological intervention using social skills training and cognitive behavioural therapy, to Dutch adolescents. Adolescents aged 12-17 with a visible difference and access to an internet-enabled computer or tablet participated. They completed YP Face IT (eight sessions) and questionnaires were administered pre- and post-intervention. After completing YP Face IT, participants were interviewed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of YP Face IT and study procedures. Overall, 15 adolescents consented to participation, one person dropped out after one session. Most adolescents appreciated the intervention and all would recommend it to other adolescents experiencing appearance-related distress. Everyone reported learning experiences after following the sessions. Some struggled with motivation, but reminders by the website and research team were helpful. The Dutch YP Face IT intervention may be acceptable and the current study design is feasible to use. An RCT should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van Dalen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
| | - S G M A Pasmans
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
| | - E W C Aendekerk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
| | - I M J Mathijssen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, The Dutch Craniofacial Centre, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
| | - M J Koudstaal
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Dutch Craniofacial Centre, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
| | - H Williamson
- Department of Social Sciences, University of the West of England, United Kingdom
| | - M H J Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
| | - E M W J Utens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, The Netherlands; Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Academic Center for Child Psychiatry Levvel/Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Academic University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - J M E Okkerse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, The Netherlands.
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Reducing social anxiety in adolescents distressed by a visible difference: Results from a randomised control trial of a web-based intervention. Body Image 2022; 40:295-309. [PMID: 35121566 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A visible difference to the face or body may challenge adolescents' adjustment and engagement in life activities, where some require psychosocial support. However, evidence is limited for whether existing interventions for this adolescent group reduce social or appearance-related distress. We therefore conducted a parallel-group, randomised control trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Young Person's Face IT, a self-guided web-based psychosocial intervention developed for adolescents with a visible difference who experience distress. Adolescents (N = 189, aged 11-18) from two countries (Norway and the Netherlands), were randomly allocated to an intervention group or care as usual (CAU). Outcomes were body esteem, social anxiety, perceived stigmatisation, and life disengagement. Compared with CAU, participants who completed Young Person's Face IT showed reductions in social anxiety symptoms (ηp2 = 0.06). No significant improvements were found for the other outcomes. This study endorses web-based psychosocial support in reducing social anxiety in adolescents distressed by a visible difference. Future studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of Young Person's Face IT and to explore potential long-term effects.
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Kling J, Nordgreen T, Kvalem IL, Williamson H, Feragen KB. Recruiting hard-to-engage groups to online psychosocial interventions: Experiences from an RCT study targeting adolescents with a visible difference. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2021; 24:100869. [PMID: 34877433 PMCID: PMC8628201 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Online interventions have the potential to reach individuals who are otherwise difficult to engage due to stigma and sensitive topics. However, these individuals also tend to be hard to recruit in clinical trials, a crucial step in order to provide evidence-based interventions. This highlights a need for more information about efficient recruitment strategies for difficult-to-engage groups. The present study aimed to share the systematised experiences of recruiting adolescents with a visible difference to an online psychosocial intervention RCT. With the intention to recruit 160 participants (age 12-17), recruitment efforts were nationwide and included multiple arenas (e.g., hospitals, schools, social media), and methods (e.g., in-consultation, targeted letters, posters). Ultimately, 102 participants were recruited, and results showed that recruitment involving patient organisations, hospital departments, and specialised resource centres were most successful in reaching participants. The most efficient recruitment strategy was targeted letters sent home to eligible patients/members, as 78% of the participants were recruited this way. Media and social media recruitment efforts yielded comparatively few participants. No participants were recruited through schools and educational health care services, primary health care services, or municipal and regional authorities. Our results are discussed in relation to barriers with recruiting difficult-to-engage groups to RCTs, providing useful recruitment tools to future similar studies. For instance, future studies are recommended to utilise targeted approaches over general population approaches. Also, results from recruitment efforts should routinely be reported, as this ultimately will provide more general strategies for effective recruitment and support studies in reaching recruitment goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Kling
- Centre for Rare Disorders, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital HF, Norway
| | | | | | - Heidi Williamson
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Kristin B. Feragen
- Centre for Rare Disorders, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital HF, Norway
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