Acceptance and commitment therapy for people experiencing appearance - related distress associated with a visible difference: A rationale and review of relevant research

Zucchelli, Fabio; Donnelly, Olivia; Williamson, Heidi; Hooper, Nic

Abstract

© 2018 Springer Publishing Company. People may have a visibly different appearance due to various causes, such as congenital conditions, injury, disease, or medical treatment. Some individuals with a visible difference experience social anxiety and isolation, body image dissatisfaction, shame and self-stigma, psychological trauma, and challenges managing their condition. In this article, we synthesize the relevant literature and present the theoretical rationale for the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a third-wave behavioral therapy combining mindfulness skills and value-driven action, to those experiencing distress relating to an unusual or altered appearance. We also outline how ACT may be tailored to the specific considerations of this population and recommend next steps in researching its acceptability and clinical effectiveness.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 25, 2018
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: May 1, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 2, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy
• Print ISSN: 0889-8391
• Electronic ISSN: 1938-887X
• Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 171-183
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1891/0889-8391.32.3.171
• Keywords: visible difference, acceptance, mindfulness, appearance, body image, stigma
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/863605
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1891/0889-8391.32.3.171
• Additional Information: Additional Information : The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1891/0889-8391.32.3.171
• Contract Date: May 1, 2018