Understanding adjustment to disfigurement: The role of the self-concept

Moss, Timothy; Carr, Tony

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether variation in psychological adjustment to physically disfiguring conditions is related to organisation of the content of appearance-related information in the self-concept. A cross-sectional design was employed, using 70 participants with a range of appearance problems recruited from support groups and the NHS. A postal paper and pencil task was completed by participants which assessed the level of their adjustment using the Derriford Appearance Scale, and measured the three self-concept variables - differential importance, compartmentalisation and complexity. Regression analyses showed that poor adjustment to disfigurement is related to greater differential importance of appearance-related self-aspects, greater compartmentalisation of appearance-related information and greater self-concept complexity. No moderating effects were found between these independent variables. The results have implications for psychological treatment strategies, particularly cognitive behavioural therapeutic interventions.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2004
• Journal: Psychology and Health
• Print ISSN: 0887-0446
• Electronic ISSN: 1476-8321
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 737-748
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440410001722967
• Keywords: disfigurement, self-concept, therapy
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1056542
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08870440410001722967