A network analysis of psychological flexibility, coping, and stigma in dermatology patients

Vasiliou, S.V., Russell, Hellen, Cockayne, Sarah, Coelho, Gabriel Lins de Holanda and Thompson, Andrew R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6788-7222 2023. A network analysis of psychological flexibility, coping, and stigma in dermatology patients. Frontiers in Medicine 10 10.3389/fmed.2023.1075672

Preview

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (902kB) | Preview

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the negative effects of stigma in individuals with skin conditions, interventions to address its effects are rare. This might be in part due to a continued lack of understanding as to how individuals respond to stigma. Methods: In this study, we employed a step-case analytic method, using traditional regression, moderation, and network analyses, to examine the role of psychological flexibility (PF) with stigmatized experiences, and stigma-related outcomes. We run a cross-sectional study (n = 105 individuals with various skin conditions) and analyzed stigma-related variables. We included variables examining perceived stigmatization (PSQ), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), well-being (EQ5D5L), and variables stemming from the PF model (CompACT), presented as three coping with stigma responses, namely “open,” “aware,” and “active.”. Results: Using network analysis, the most influential or central variables that contributed to stigma were generalized anxiety, perceived stigmatization, and valued actions. In relation to PF, being open to the experience of stigma (as opposed to avoidance), keeping a distance from stigmatized thoughts (as opposed to self-stigmatizing), and bringing attention to value-based committed actions (as opposed to passivity) were all found to contribute to less stigmatized experiences. Discussion: The results indicate that two of the three skills of the PF model (“open” and “active”) may be important targets for interventions targeting stigma in people living with skin conditions.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
ISSN:	2296-858X
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	22 May 2023
Date of Acceptance:	25 April 2023
Last Modified:	16 Nov 2023 10:03
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/159784

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item