Relationship between experience of stigmatisation and coping styles : a comparison of individuals with eczema and psoriasis

It has been recognised for a number of years that patients with chronic skin disease experience a range of psychosocial difficulties. These include feelings of being stigmatised and the stresses of coping with a disease with an unpredictable course. To date, there have been few studies that examine the effects of stigmatisation caused by chronic skin disease. Researchers have suggested the need for a better understanding of how patients deal with the psychological aspects of skin diseases, as well as an understanding of the coping mechanisms used by individuals who feel stigmatised by their skin condition. Currently, no study makes comparisons between psychological difficulties in eczema and psoriasis patients. The current study examines the relationship between the stresses of having a chronic skin condition, feelings of stigmatisation and coping strategies adopted by patients with eczema and psoriasis. The participants were all dermatology patients, both inpatients and outpatients, who completed three measures exploring coping strategies, stigma experience and psychosocial impairment. Some participants attended for follow -up interview, providing a more personalised account of problems faced by eczema and psoriasis sufferers. It was hypothesised that participants who reported greater experience of stigma would relate a greater degree of psychosocial distress and show similar patterns in their coping strategies. These results are discussed with reference to current literature and suggestions made for future studies