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Outputs (68)

Evaluating the efficacy of a social media-based intervention (Warna-Warni Waktu) to improve body image among young Indonesian women: Parallel randomized controlled trial (2023)
Journal Article
Garbett, K. M., Haywood, S., Craddock, N., Gentili, C., Nasution, K., Saraswati, L. A., …Williamson, H. (2023). Evaluating the efficacy of a social media-based intervention (Warna-Warni Waktu) to improve body image among young Indonesian women: Parallel randomized controlled trial. JMIR, 25, Article e42499. https://doi.org/10.2196/42499

BACKGROUND: Body dissatisfaction is a global issue, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. Effective body image interventions exist but face barriers to scaling up, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries, such as Indonesia,... Read More about Evaluating the efficacy of a social media-based intervention (Warna-Warni Waktu) to improve body image among young Indonesian women: Parallel randomized controlled trial.

Experiences and impact of the UK lockdown amongst adults who have a facial visible difference (2023)
Journal Article
Tollow, P., Hamlet, C., Zucchelli, F., Williamson, H., & Harcourt, D. (2023). Experiences and impact of the UK lockdown amongst adults who have a facial visible difference. Current Psychology, 42(23), 20337-20346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-04089-5

Globally, COVID-19 has been shown to have had a wide ranging and significant impact on individuals’ daily living, and physical and mental health. However, there are some groups of individuals who may encounter unique challenges with regards to COVID-... Read More about Experiences and impact of the UK lockdown amongst adults who have a facial visible difference.

Predictors of adolescents’ response to a web-based intervention to improve psychosocial adjustment to having an appearance-affecting condition (Young Person’s Face IT): Prospective study (2023)
Journal Article
Zelihic, D., Feragen, K. B., Pripp, A. H., Nordgreen, T., Williamson, H., & Kling, J. (2023). Predictors of adolescents’ response to a web-based intervention to improve psychosocial adjustment to having an appearance-affecting condition (Young Person’s Face IT): Prospective study. JMIR Formative Research, 7, e35669. https://doi.org/10.2196/35669

Background: Adolescents with a condition affecting their appearance that results in a visible difference can be at risk of psychosocial distress and impaired adjustment. Evidence for the effectiveness of existing interventions in improving psychosoci... Read More about Predictors of adolescents’ response to a web-based intervention to improve psychosocial adjustment to having an appearance-affecting condition (Young Person’s Face IT): Prospective study.

Adolescents and parents’ perception of Young Person's Face IT: An online intervention for adolescents struggling with conditions affecting their appearance (2022)
Journal Article
Millgård, M., Feragen, K. B., Ullmann Miller, J., Arfa, S., Williamson, H., & Kling, J. (2022). Adolescents and parents’ perception of Young Person's Face IT: An online intervention for adolescents struggling with conditions affecting their appearance. Digital Health, 8, 20552076221147110. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221147110

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 s... Read More about Adolescents and parents’ perception of Young Person's Face IT: An online intervention for adolescents struggling with conditions affecting their appearance.

Assessing the usability and acceptability of FaceIT@home: An online CBT intervention for people with visible differences (2022)
Journal Article
Norman, A., Veale, J., & Williamson, H. (2022). Assessing the usability and acceptability of FaceIT@home: An online CBT intervention for people with visible differences. Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 15, https://doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X22000381

To increase access to support, an online psychosocial support tool for adults with visible differences was adapted for use without referral or supervision. This intervention combines a cognitive behavioural and social skills model of support. This st... Read More about Assessing the usability and acceptability of FaceIT@home: An online CBT intervention for people with visible differences.

Is it safe? Exploring positive and negative outcome changes following a web-based intervention for adolescents distressed by a visible difference (YP Face IT) (2022)
Journal Article
Kling, J., Zelihic, D., Williamson, H., & Feragan, K. B. (2022). Is it safe? Exploring positive and negative outcome changes following a web-based intervention for adolescents distressed by a visible difference (YP Face IT). Body Image, 43, 8-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.07.012

Despite the importance of making sure that psychological interventions are safe, research including both positive and negative effects of novel internet-delivered support is scarce. The aim of our study was to explore whether, and in what way, a new... Read More about Is it safe? Exploring positive and negative outcome changes following a web-based intervention for adolescents distressed by a visible difference (YP Face IT).

Exploring teachers’ perceptions of promoting acceptance of diverse appearances in primary school children (4-11 years) (2022)
Presentation / Conference
Parnell, J., Williamson, H., Lewis, F., & Slater, A. (2022, June). Exploring teachers’ perceptions of promoting acceptance of diverse appearances in primary school children (4-11 years). Presented at Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference 2022, Bristol

Objectives and design: Research suggests children can begin judging others based on their appearance as early as 4 years old. Stigma towards children who have a diverse appearance (e.g., higher weight, visible difference) can have a negative impact o... Read More about Exploring teachers’ perceptions of promoting acceptance of diverse appearances in primary school children (4-11 years).

Body image and psychosocial well-being among UK military personnel and veterans who sustained appearance-altering conflict injuries (2022)
Journal Article
Keeling, M., Williamson, H., Williams, V., Kiff, J., Evans, S., Murphy, D., & Harcourt, D. (2023). Body image and psychosocial well-being among UK military personnel and veterans who sustained appearance-altering conflict injuries. Military Psychology, 35(1), 12-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2022.2058302

A modest but significant number of military personnel sustained injuries during deployments resulting in an altered-appearance (e.g., limb loss and/or scarring). Civilian research indicates that appearance-altering injuries can affect psychosocial we... Read More about Body image and psychosocial well-being among UK military personnel and veterans who sustained appearance-altering conflict injuries.

Acceptability and feasibility of an online psychosocial intervention for Dutch adolescents with a visible difference: A mixed-methods study (2022)
Journal Article
van Dalen, M., Pasmans, S., Aendekerk, M., Mathijssen, I., Koudstaal, M., Williamson, H., …Okkerse, J. (2022). Acceptability and feasibility of an online psychosocial intervention for Dutch adolescents with a visible difference: A mixed-methods study. Body Image, 41, 298-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.03.003

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 ex... Read More about Acceptability and feasibility of an online psychosocial intervention for Dutch adolescents with a visible difference: A mixed-methods study.

Reducing social anxiety in adolescents distressed by a visible difference: Results from a randomised control trial of a web-based intervention (2022)
Journal Article
Zelihić, D., van Dalen, M., Kling, J., Pripp, A. H., Nordgreen, T., Kvalem, I. L., …Okkerse, J. M. (2022). Reducing social anxiety in adolescents distressed by a visible difference: Results from a randomised control trial of a web-based intervention. Body Image, 40, 295-309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.01.008

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 reduc... Read More about Reducing social anxiety in adolescents distressed by a visible difference: Results from a randomised control trial of a web-based intervention.

A novel, scalable social media-based intervention Warna-Warni Waktu to reduce body dissatisfaction among young Indonesian women: Protocol for a parallel randomized controlled trial (2022)
Journal Article
Garbett, K. M., Craddock, N., Haywood, S., Nasution, K., White, P., Saraswati, L. A., …Williamson, H. (2022). A novel, scalable social media-based intervention Warna-Warni Waktu to reduce body dissatisfaction among young Indonesian women: Protocol for a parallel randomized controlled trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 11(1), Article e33596. https://doi.org/10.2196/33596

Background: Despite the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young Indonesian women and its consequential negative impacts, there are currently no evidence-based, culturally appropriate interventions to tackle this issue. Therefore, there is a ne... Read More about A novel, scalable social media-based intervention Warna-Warni Waktu to reduce body dissatisfaction among young Indonesian women: Protocol for a parallel randomized controlled trial.

An acceptance and commitment therapy prototype mobile program for individuals with a visible difference: Mixed methods feasibility study (2022)
Journal Article
Zucchelli, F., Donnelly, O., Rush, E., White, P., Gwyther, H., Williamson, H., & The VTCT Foundation Research Team at the Centre for Appearance Research. (2022). An acceptance and commitment therapy prototype mobile program for individuals with a visible difference: Mixed methods feasibility study. JMIR Formative Research, 6(1), Article e33449. https://doi.org/10.2196/33449

Background: Mobile apps may offer a valuable platform for delivering evidence-based psychological interventions for individuals with atypical appearances, or visible differences, who experience psychosocial appearance concerns such as appearance-base... Read More about An acceptance and commitment therapy prototype mobile program for individuals with a visible difference: Mixed methods feasibility study.

Recruiting hard-to-engage groups to online psychosocial interventions: Experiences from an RCT study targeting adolescents with a visible difference (2021)
Journal Article
Kling, J., Nordgreen, T., Kvalem, I. L., Williamson, H., & Feragen, K. B. (2021). Recruiting hard-to-engage groups to online psychosocial interventions: Experiences from an RCT study targeting adolescents with a visible difference. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 24, Article 100869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100869

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 e... Read More about Recruiting hard-to-engage groups to online psychosocial interventions: Experiences from an RCT study targeting adolescents with a visible difference.

Mindful Eating - Conscious Living: A study of acceptability, feasibility and efficacy among adult women in the UK (2021)
Presentation / Conference
Ramsey-Wade, C., Halliwell, E., Williamson, H., & Atkinson, M. (2021, July). Mindful Eating - Conscious Living: A study of acceptability, feasibility and efficacy among adult women in the UK. Poster presented at Appearance Matters 9, Online, hosted by the Centre for Appearance Research at UWE Bristol

Disordered eating, or dis-ease around food and eating, is widespread. Many materials assisting individuals to apply mindfulness skills to their eating choices and behaviour are available online, from apps, to guided meditations, to asynchronous and... Read More about Mindful Eating - Conscious Living: A study of acceptability, feasibility and efficacy among adult women in the UK.

“It's tough because I see that it's upsetting her…”: A qualitative exploration of parents’ perceptions of talking with their adolescents about having a visible difference (2021)
Journal Article
Zelihić, D., Williamson, H., Kling, J., & Feragen, K. B. (2021). “It's tough because I see that it's upsetting her…”: A qualitative exploration of parents’ perceptions of talking with their adolescents about having a visible difference. Body Image, 38, 306-316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.05.006

Many adolescents live with a visible difference that affects their lives in profound ways, but studies investigating parents’ perceptions of raising appearance issues during conversations with their adolescent are lacking. As part of a larger study e... Read More about “It's tough because I see that it's upsetting her…”: A qualitative exploration of parents’ perceptions of talking with their adolescents about having a visible difference.

"Have we done enough?" A cross-condition exploration of the experiences of parents caring for a child with an appearance-affecting condition or injury (2021)
Journal Article
Thornton, M., Harcourt, D., Deave, T., Kiff, J., & Williamson, H. (2021). "Have we done enough?" A cross-condition exploration of the experiences of parents caring for a child with an appearance-affecting condition or injury. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 24(6), 418-428. https://doi.org/10.1080/17518423.2021.1901150

Children and young people (CYP) with appearance-affecting conditions/injuries report common pervasive psychosocial difficulties, regardless of cause, nature or extent of their visible differences. Parents or carers can also experience psychosocial di... Read More about "Have we done enough?" A cross-condition exploration of the experiences of parents caring for a child with an appearance-affecting condition or injury.

Designing an mHealth intervention for people with visible differences based on acceptance and commitment therapy: Participatory study gaining stakeholders’ input (2021)
Journal Article
Zucchelli, F., Donnelly, O., Rush, E., Smith, H., Williamson, H., & The VTCT Foundation Research Team. (2021). Designing an mHealth intervention for people with visible differences based on acceptance and commitment therapy: Participatory study gaining stakeholders’ input. JMIR Formative Research, 5(3), Article e26355. https://doi.org/10.2196/26355

Background: Given their growing popularity, mobile health (mHealth) apps may offer a viable method of delivering psychological interventions for people with an atypical appearance (ie, visible difference) who struggle with appearance-related distress... Read More about Designing an mHealth intervention for people with visible differences based on acceptance and commitment therapy: Participatory study gaining stakeholders’ input.

‘Your face freezes and so does your life’: A qualitative exploration of adults’ psychosocial experiences of living with acquired facial palsy (2021)
Journal Article
Hamlets, C., Williamson, H., Hotton, M., & Rumsey, N. (2021). ‘Your face freezes and so does your life’: A qualitative exploration of adults’ psychosocial experiences of living with acquired facial palsy. British Journal of Health Psychology, 26(3), 977-994. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12515

Objectives: Facial palsy (FP) is a highly visible appearance-affecting condition and can have a significant impact on facial function. Qualitative research focussing on adults’ experiences of living with acquired FP is limited. This study aimed to ex... Read More about ‘Your face freezes and so does your life’: A qualitative exploration of adults’ psychosocial experiences of living with acquired facial palsy.

Investigating online psychological treatment for adolescents with a visible difference in the Dutch YP Face IT study: Protocol of a randomised controlled trial (2021)
Journal Article
van Dalen, M., Pasmans, S. G. M. A., Aendekerk, M., Mathijssen, I., Koudstaal, M., Timman, R., …Okkerse, J. (2021). Investigating online psychological treatment for adolescents with a visible difference in the Dutch YP Face IT study: Protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 11(1), Article e041449. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041449

Introduction This paper outlines the study protocol for the Dutch Young People (YP) Face IT Study. Adolescents with a visible difference (ie, disfigurement) often experience challenging social situations such as being stared at, receiving unwanted qu... Read More about Investigating online psychological treatment for adolescents with a visible difference in the Dutch YP Face IT study: Protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

A qualitative investigation of the acceptability and feasibility of a urinary tract infection patient information leaflet for older adults and their carers (2021)
Journal Article
Jones, L. F., Williamson, H., Downing, P., Lecky, D. M., Harcourt, D., & McNulty, C. (2021). A qualitative investigation of the acceptability and feasibility of a urinary tract infection patient information leaflet for older adults and their carers. Antibiotics, 10(1), Article 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10010083

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be life threatening in older adults. The aim of this study was to primarily understand the acceptability and feasibility of using a UTI leaflet for older adults in care homes and the community. Qualitative intervie... Read More about A qualitative investigation of the acceptability and feasibility of a urinary tract infection patient information leaflet for older adults and their carers.

Children’s attitudes and friendship behaviours towards socially stigmatised appearances: Do attitudes vary according to type of difference? (2021)
Journal Article
Parnell, J., Williamson, H., Lewis, F., & Slater, A. (2021). Children’s attitudes and friendship behaviours towards socially stigmatised appearances: Do attitudes vary according to type of difference?. Stigma and Health, 6(3), 344-353. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000287

Appearance-based stereotyping and stigma emerge in early childhood and can exist by the age of 4 years. Children from stigmatized groups (e.g., higher weight and visible difference) are at increased risk of experiencing judgment and unwanted behavior... Read More about Children’s attitudes and friendship behaviours towards socially stigmatised appearances: Do attitudes vary according to type of difference?.

Becoming known: Disclosure and exposure of (in)visible difference. (2020)
Journal Article
Sharratt, N. D., Williamson, H., Zucchelli, F., & Kiff, J. (2020). Becoming known: Disclosure and exposure of (in)visible difference. Stigma and Health, 5(4), 413-424. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000212

Bodily or physical differences constitute a class of potentially stigmatized characteristics. The existing literature confirms that those with appearance altering or disfiguring conditions (“visible differences”) may experience both felt and enacted... Read More about Becoming known: Disclosure and exposure of (in)visible difference..

Patients’ experiences of an acceptance and commitment therapy-based approach for psychosocial difficulties relating to an appearance-affecting condition (2020)
Journal Article
Zucchelli, F. A., Donnelly, O., Sharratt, N., Hooper, N., & Williamson, H. M. (2020). Patients’ experiences of an acceptance and commitment therapy-based approach for psychosocial difficulties relating to an appearance-affecting condition. European Journal of Counselling Psychology, 9(1), 29-40. https://doi.org/10.46853/001c.22012

Some individuals with appearance-affecting conditions experience psychosocial challenges such as social anxiety and avoidance. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may offer a suitable approach for these challenges. This qualitative study investig... Read More about Patients’ experiences of an acceptance and commitment therapy-based approach for psychosocial difficulties relating to an appearance-affecting condition.

‘Everybody’s Different: The Appearance Game’. A randomised controlled trial evaluating an appearance-related board game intervention with children aged 9-11 years (2020)
Journal Article
Jarman, H., Guest, E., Hannah, J., Sharratt, N., Williamson, H., White, P., …Slater, A. (2021). ‘Everybody’s Different: The Appearance Game’. A randomised controlled trial evaluating an appearance-related board game intervention with children aged 9-11 years. Body Image, 36, 34-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.09.010

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an educational board game aimed at increasing knowledge of appearance-related issues, positive body image, media literacy, and acceptance of appearance diversity with British school children. Two hundred and... Read More about ‘Everybody’s Different: The Appearance Game’. A randomised controlled trial evaluating an appearance-related board game intervention with children aged 9-11 years.

The effectiveness of interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes in parents of children with appearance-affecting health conditions: A systematic review (2020)
Journal Article
Costa, B., Thornton, M., Guest, E., Meyrick, J., & Williamson, H. (2021). The effectiveness of interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes in parents of children with appearance-affecting health conditions: A systematic review. Child: Care, Health and Development, 47(1), 15-30. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12805

Background: Although many cope well, the impact of supporting a child with an Appearance-Affecting Health Condition (AAHC) can place a significant demand on parents. As such, it is vital that families have access to appropriate psychosocial support t... Read More about The effectiveness of interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes in parents of children with appearance-affecting health conditions: A systematic review.

Body image concerns and psychological wellbeing among injured combat veterans with scars and limb loss: A review of the literature (2020)
Journal Article
Keeling, M., Williamson, H., Williams, V., Kiff, J., & Harcourt, D. (2021). Body image concerns and psychological wellbeing among injured combat veterans with scars and limb loss: A review of the literature. Military Behavioral Health, 9(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2020.1792013

A narrative literature review aimed to determine the nature and prevalence of body image and psychosocial concerns and associated support needs among veterans with combat-related appearance-altering injuries. A systematic approach to a narrative revi... Read More about Body image concerns and psychological wellbeing among injured combat veterans with scars and limb loss: A review of the literature.

The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to support psychological well-being in post-operative bariatric patients: A systematic review of evidence (2020)
Journal Article
Van Zyl, N., Andrews, L., Williamson, H., & Meyrick, J. (2020). The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to support psychological well-being in post-operative bariatric patients: A systematic review of evidence. Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, 14(5), 404-420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2020.05.005

Background: Bariatric surgery is considered an effective obesity management intervention for individuals with a BMI greater than 40, or 35 with co-morbidities. However, research documents that psychological difficulties prevalent amongst individuals... Read More about The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to support psychological well-being in post-operative bariatric patients: A systematic review of evidence.

Appearance concerns, psychosocial outcomes, and the feasibility of implementing an online intervention for adolescents receiving outpatient burn care (2020)
Journal Article
Riobueno-Naylor, A., Williamson, H., Canenguez, K., Kogosov, A., Drexler, A., Sadeq, F., …Sheridan, R. L. (2021). Appearance concerns, psychosocial outcomes, and the feasibility of implementing an online intervention for adolescents receiving outpatient burn care. Journal of Burn Care and Research, 42(1), 32-40. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/iraa108

The current study assessed the prevalence of appearance concerns, psychosocial difficulty, and use of an appearance-focused social and psychological support resource (Young Person's Face IT; YPF) within a population of teens (12-17 year-olds) receivi... Read More about Appearance concerns, psychosocial outcomes, and the feasibility of implementing an online intervention for adolescents receiving outpatient burn care.

Appearance concerns, psychosocial outcomes, and the feasibility of implementing an online intervention for adolescents receiving outpatient burn care (2020)
Journal Article
Riobueno-Naylor, A., Williamson, H., Canenguez, K., Kogosov, A., Drexler, A., Sadeq, F., …Sheridan, R. L. (2021). Appearance concerns, psychosocial outcomes, and the feasibility of implementing an online intervention for adolescents receiving outpatient burn care. Journal of Burn Care and Research, 42(1), 32-40. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/iraa108

The current study assessed the prevalence of appearance concerns, psychosocial difficulty, and use of an appearance-focused social and psychological support resource (Young Person’s Face IT; YPF) within a population of teens (12-17 year-olds) receiv... Read More about Appearance concerns, psychosocial outcomes, and the feasibility of implementing an online intervention for adolescents receiving outpatient burn care.

Therapeutic writing for disordered eating: A systematic review (2020)
Journal Article
Ramsey-Wade, C. E., Williamson, H., & Meyrick, J. (2021). Therapeutic writing for disordered eating: A systematic review. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 16(1), 59-76. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2020.1760988

A systematic review of the literature was carried out to assess whether therapeutic writing could improve outcomes for clients with disordered eating. Twelve studies were identified that met the review’s inclusion criteria. Each study was criticall... Read More about Therapeutic writing for disordered eating: A systematic review.

Anxiety and depression in adolescents with a visible difference: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2020)
Journal Article
van Dalen, M., Dierckx, B., Parsmans, S., Aendekerk, E. W. C., Mathijssen, I., Koudstaal, M. J., …Okkerse, J. (2020). Anxiety and depression in adolescents with a visible difference: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Body Image, 33, 38-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.02.006

Living with a visible difference can entail challenging social situations, associated with psychosocial symptoms. However, it is not clear whether adolescents with a visible difference experience more anxiety and depression than unaffected peers. We... Read More about Anxiety and depression in adolescents with a visible difference: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Australian health professionals’ perspectives of psychosocial adjustment to visible differences: A qualitative analysis of pediatric populations (2020)
Journal Article
Gee, C., Maskell, J., Newcombe, P., Kimble, R., & Williamson, H. (2020). Australian health professionals’ perspectives of psychosocial adjustment to visible differences: A qualitative analysis of pediatric populations. Body Image, 33, 13-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.02.004

Living with a visible difference (e.g., disfigurement) can compromise a child’s psychological wellbeing. Although some children can adjust well, others can develop a range of appearance-related issues such as social anxiety, low self-esteem, and body... Read More about Australian health professionals’ perspectives of psychosocial adjustment to visible differences: A qualitative analysis of pediatric populations.

Experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion mediate the relationship between body evaluation and unhelpful body image coping strategies in individuals with visible differences (2019)
Journal Article
Zucchelli, F., White, P., & Williamson, H. (2020). Experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion mediate the relationship between body evaluation and unhelpful body image coping strategies in individuals with visible differences. Body Image, 32, 121-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.12.002

Psychological flexibility, the capacity to be open to any internal stimuli and act in accordance with valued ends, has been identified as an explanatory variable in how people cope with body concerns. The role of psychological flexibility is unexplor... Read More about Experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion mediate the relationship between body evaluation and unhelpful body image coping strategies in individuals with visible differences.

Looking to the future: Priorities for translating research to impact in the field of appearance and body image (2019)
Journal Article
Jankowski, G. S., Alleva, J. M., Atkinson, M., Stock, N., Piran, N., Riley, S., …Williamson, H. (2020). Looking to the future: Priorities for translating research to impact in the field of appearance and body image. Body Image, 32, 53-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.10.006

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd The field of body image and appearance research and practice is progressing; however, there is still work to be done to ensure broad societal impact. This article consolidates reflections from a range of established and early care... Read More about Looking to the future: Priorities for translating research to impact in the field of appearance and body image.

A web-based self-help psychosocial intervention for adolescents distressed by appearance-affecting conditions and injuries (Young Persons’ Face IT): Feasibility study for a parallel randomized controlled trial (2019)
Journal Article
Williamson, H., Hamlet, C., White, P., Marques, E., Paling, T., Cadogan, J., …Harcourt, D. (2019). A web-based self-help psychosocial intervention for adolescents distressed by appearance-affecting conditions and injuries (Young Persons’ Face IT): Feasibility study for a parallel randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mental Health, 6(11), Article e14776. https://doi.org/10.2196/14776

Background: Disfigurement (visible difference) from wide-ranging congenital or acquired conditions, injuries, or treatments can negatively impact adolescents’ psychological well-being, education and health behaviours. Alongside medical interventions,... Read More about A web-based self-help psychosocial intervention for adolescents distressed by appearance-affecting conditions and injuries (Young Persons’ Face IT): Feasibility study for a parallel randomized controlled trial.

Opening a Pandora's Box that can't be salvaged: Health professionals’ perceptions of appearance-related care in an Australian pediatric specialist hospital (2019)
Journal Article
Newcombe, P., Gee, C., Maskell, J., Newcombe, P., Kimble, R., & Williamson, H. (2019). Opening a Pandora's Box that can't be salvaged: Health professionals’ perceptions of appearance-related care in an Australian pediatric specialist hospital. Body Image, 31, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.07.004

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd Many children and young people struggle adjusting to the psychosocial consequences (e.g., body dissatisfaction, social anxiety, and stigmatisation) of visible differences (or disfigurement). As appearance-affecting conditions ofte... Read More about Opening a Pandora's Box that can't be salvaged: Health professionals’ perceptions of appearance-related care in an Australian pediatric specialist hospital.

Understanding attitudes and friendship behaviours towards socially stigmatised appearances in children aged 4-10 years (2019)
Presentation / Conference
Parnell, J., Williamson, H., Lewis, F., & Slater, A. (2019, July). Understanding attitudes and friendship behaviours towards socially stigmatised appearances in children aged 4-10 years. Presented at UWE Postgraduate Conference, Bristol

Background: Appearance-based stereotyping and prejudice emerges in early childhood, and can exist by the age of 4 years. Children from negatively stereotyped or stigmatised groups (e.g., higher weight, visible difference) are at increased risk of exp... Read More about Understanding attitudes and friendship behaviours towards socially stigmatised appearances in children aged 4-10 years.

Mindful Eating - Conscious Living: An acceptability study (2019)
Presentation / Conference
Ramsey-Wade, C., Halliwell, E., Williamson, H., & Atkinson, M. (2019, June). Mindful Eating - Conscious Living: An acceptability study. Poster presented at ACBS Annual World Conference 17, Dublin, Ireland

Mindful Eating – Conscious Living™ (ME-CL) is a mindfulness-based programme originating in the US which aims to reduce anxiety around food and eating. While the programme is being delivered widely, it has never been tested under research conditions.... Read More about Mindful Eating - Conscious Living: An acceptability study.

The effectiveness of interventions aiming to promote positive body image in adults: A systematic review (2019)
Journal Article
Guest, E., Costa, B., Williamson, H., Meyrick, J., Halliwell, E., & Harcourt, D. (2019). The effectiveness of interventions aiming to promote positive body image in adults: A systematic review. Body Image, 30, 10-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.04.002

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd Theory suggests promoting positive body image (PBI)through interventions would have a significant impact on health and well-being. However, little is known about the effectiveness of existing interventions. This review aimed to id... Read More about The effectiveness of interventions aiming to promote positive body image in adults: A systematic review.

Supporting children with burns: Developing a UK parent-focused peer-informed website to support families of burn-injured children (2019)
Journal Article
Heath, J., Williamson, H., Williams, L., & Harcourt, D. (2019). Supporting children with burns: Developing a UK parent-focused peer-informed website to support families of burn-injured children. Patient Education and Counseling, 102(9), 1730-1735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2019.04.003

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. Background: Children's burn injuries can have a significant psychosocial impact on parents. However, the stress involved in caring for a child following a burn can often go unrecognized and does not necessarily prompt help seekin... Read More about Supporting children with burns: Developing a UK parent-focused peer-informed website to support families of burn-injured children.

Using Photo-Elicitation to Explore Families’ Experiences of Burn Camp (2018)
Journal Article
Armstrong-James, L., Cadogan, J., Williamson, H., Rumsey, N., & Harcourt, D. (2019). Using Photo-Elicitation to Explore Families’ Experiences of Burn Camp. Journal of Family Nursing, 25(1), 81-108. https://doi.org/10.1177/1074840718817630

© The Author(s) 2018. A qualitative study using photo-elicitation was conducted to investigate the experiences of family members attending a residential burn camp. Six families were provided with cameras and asked to take photographs of their time at... Read More about Using Photo-Elicitation to Explore Families’ Experiences of Burn Camp.

Commentary – consensus research priorities for facial palsy: A delphi survey of patients, carers, clinicians and researchers (2018)
Journal Article
Hamlet, C., Rumsey, N., Williamson, H., Johnson, K., & Nduka, C. (2018). Commentary – consensus research priorities for facial palsy: A delphi survey of patients, carers, clinicians and researchers. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 71(12), 1785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2018.08.001

Despite the potential negative impact of facial palsy, major gaps in understanding persist surrounding the treatment and care of those affected. This collaborative three-round Delphi process aimed to identify priorities for future facial palsy resear... Read More about Commentary – consensus research priorities for facial palsy: A delphi survey of patients, carers, clinicians and researchers.

“It's just more personal”: Using multiple methods of qualitative data collection to facilitate participation in research focusing on sensitive subjects (2018)
Journal Article
Heath, J., Williamson, H., Williams, L., & Harcourt, D. (2018). “It's just more personal”: Using multiple methods of qualitative data collection to facilitate participation in research focusing on sensitive subjects. Applied Nursing Research, 43, 30-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2018.06.015

© 2018 Elsevier Inc. Background: Often researchers use only one interview method within a single study. However, it is increasingly common for a variety of interview methods to be employed within a project. Providing choice to participants may facili... Read More about “It's just more personal”: Using multiple methods of qualitative data collection to facilitate participation in research focusing on sensitive subjects.

Therapeutic writing for eating disorders: A systematic review (2018)
Presentation / Conference
Ramsey-Wade, C., Williamson, H., & Meyrick, J. (2018, June). Therapeutic writing for eating disorders: A systematic review. Poster presented at Appearance Matters 8, Bath

There is a need for new and creative psychological therapies for anorexia in particular, as it has the highest bed cost and the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric condition, and few NICE recommended clinical treatments. Interventions which ca... Read More about Therapeutic writing for eating disorders: A systematic review.

Challenges of recruiting adolescents for appearance-related research in a specialist tertiary hospital (2018)
Journal Article
Gee, C., Williamson, H., Maskell, J., Kimble, R., & Newcombe, P. (2018). Challenges of recruiting adolescents for appearance-related research in a specialist tertiary hospital. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 54(11), 1176-1179. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.13942

Aim: To discuss the experiences and specific challenges of recruiting adolescents with appearance-altering conditions or injuries for qualitative interviews exploring appearance worry and an acceptability study testing a new online intervention desig... Read More about Challenges of recruiting adolescents for appearance-related research in a specialist tertiary hospital.

Factor structure and convergent validity of the Derriford Appearance Scale-24 using standard scoring versus treating not applicable' responses as missing data: A Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) cohort study (2018)
Journal Article
Merz, E., Kwakkenbos, L., Carrier, M. E., Gholizadeh, S., Mills, S. D., Fox, R. S., …Malcarne, V. L. (2018). Factor structure and convergent validity of the Derriford Appearance Scale-24 using standard scoring versus treating not applicable' responses as missing data: A Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) cohort study. BMJ Open, 8(3), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018641

© 2018 Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article). All rights reserved. Objective Valid measures of appearance concern are needed in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare, disfiguring autoimmune disease. Th... Read More about Factor structure and convergent validity of the Derriford Appearance Scale-24 using standard scoring versus treating not applicable' responses as missing data: A Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) cohort study.

The provision of specialist psychosocial support for people with visible differences: A European survey (2018)
Journal Article
Harcourt, D., Hamlet, C., Feragen, K. B., Garcia-Lopez, L. J., Masnari, O., Mendes, J., …Williamson, H. (2018). The provision of specialist psychosocial support for people with visible differences: A European survey. Body Image, 25, 35-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.02.001

© 2018 A substantial body of research has demonstrated the challenges commonly facing people with visible differences (disfigurements) and explored the potential benefits offered by specialist psychosocial support and intervention for those who are n... Read More about The provision of specialist psychosocial support for people with visible differences: A European survey.

An evaluation of the impact of a burn camp on children and young people’s concerns about social situations, satisfaction with appearance and behaviour (2018)
Journal Article
Armstrong-James, L., Cadogan, J., Williamson, H., Rumsey, N., & Harcourt, D. (2018). An evaluation of the impact of a burn camp on children and young people’s concerns about social situations, satisfaction with appearance and behaviour. Scars, Burns & Healing, 4, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/2059513118816219

Introduction: This evaluation aimed to assess the impact of a burn camp on children and young people’s concerns about social situations, satisfaction with appearance and behaviour. Methods: Young people completed the Perceived Stigmatisation Questio... Read More about An evaluation of the impact of a burn camp on children and young people’s concerns about social situations, satisfaction with appearance and behaviour.

Parent-perceived isolation and barriers to psychosocial support: A qualitative study to investigate how peer support might help parents of burn-injured children (2018)
Journal Article
Heath, J., Williamson, H., Williams, L., & Harcourt, D. (2018). Parent-perceived isolation and barriers to psychosocial support: A qualitative study to investigate how peer support might help parents of burn-injured children. Scars, Burns & Healing, 4, https://doi.org/10.1177/2059513118763801

Introduction: Burn injuries can be traumatic and distressing for the affected child and family, with a prolonged period of recovery. This research explores parents’ experiences of support following their child’s injury and their thoughts on peer supp... Read More about Parent-perceived isolation and barriers to psychosocial support: A qualitative study to investigate how peer support might help parents of burn-injured children.

Supporting patients with body dissatisfaction: A survey of the experiences and training needs of european multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals (2018)
Journal Article
Williamson, H., Antonelli, P., Bringsen, A., Davies, G., Detorre, D., Harcourt, D., …Persson, M. (2018). Supporting patients with body dissatisfaction: A survey of the experiences and training needs of european multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals. NursingPlus Open, 4, 8-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.npls.2018.05.001

© 2018 The Authors Appearance-related concerns resulting from disfigurement or pressure to conform to beauty ideals, indiscriminately affect patients’ mental and physical health. Healthcare professionals face the challenge of addressing patients’ sup... Read More about Supporting patients with body dissatisfaction: A survey of the experiences and training needs of european multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals.

Recruiting young people with a visible difference to the YP Face IT feasibility trial: A qualitative exploration of primary care staff experiences (2017)
Journal Article
Hamlet, C., Williamson, H., & Harcourt, D. (2017). Recruiting young people with a visible difference to the YP Face IT feasibility trial: A qualitative exploration of primary care staff experiences. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 18(6), 541-548. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423617000536

© Cambridge University Press 2017. Background: Qualitative research methods embedded within feasibility trials are of significant value as they can provide important information for a definitive trial, often unable to be fulfilled by quantitative met... Read More about Recruiting young people with a visible difference to the YP Face IT feasibility trial: A qualitative exploration of primary care staff experiences.

Could therapeutic writing improve outcomes for adult clients diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa? A systematic review (2017)
Presentation / Conference
Ramsey-Wade, C., Williamson, H., & Meyrick, J. (2017, June). Could therapeutic writing improve outcomes for adult clients diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa? A systematic review. Poster presented at Culture, Health and Wellbeing International Conference 2017, Bristol

This poster will present the results of a recently completed systematic review examining whether therapeutic writing could improve outcomes for clients diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa. There is a great need for new and creative psychological therapi... Read More about Could therapeutic writing improve outcomes for adult clients diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa? A systematic review.

Perspectives of health professionals on the psychosocial impact of an altered appearance among adolescents treated for cancer and how to improve appearance-related care (2016)
Journal Article
Williamson, H., & Rumsey, N. (2017). Perspectives of health professionals on the psychosocial impact of an altered appearance among adolescents treated for cancer and how to improve appearance-related care. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 35(1), 47-60. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2016.1247407

© 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. An altered appearance can impact the psychosocial well-being of adolescent cancer patients, yet patient reports imply a dearth of appearance-related support. Using a two-phase qualitatively driven mixed method de... Read More about Perspectives of health professionals on the psychosocial impact of an altered appearance among adolescents treated for cancer and how to improve appearance-related care.

Study protocol of the YP Face IT feasibility study: Comparing an online psychosocial intervention versus treatment as usual for adolescents distressed by appearance-altering conditions/injuries (2016)
Journal Article
Marques, E. M., Williamson, H., Hamlet, C., White, P., Marques, E., Cadogan, J., …Harcourt, D. (2016). Study protocol of the YP Face IT feasibility study: Comparing an online psychosocial intervention versus treatment as usual for adolescents distressed by appearance-altering conditions/injuries. BMJ Open, 6(10), Article e012423. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012423

© Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. Introduction A significant number of adolescents suffer extensive and enduring difficulties such as social anxiety, body image dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and bullying as a result of conditions or... Read More about Study protocol of the YP Face IT feasibility study: Comparing an online psychosocial intervention versus treatment as usual for adolescents distressed by appearance-altering conditions/injuries.

Randomized controlled trial of an online mother-daughter body image and well-being intervention (2016)
Journal Article
Diedrichs, . P. C., Atkinson, M. J., Garbett, K. M., Williamson, H., Halliwell, E., Rumsey, N., …Barlow, F. K. (2016). Randomized controlled trial of an online mother-daughter body image and well-being intervention. Health Psychology, 35(9), 996-1006. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000361

© 2016 American Psychological Association. Objective: Poor body image is a public health issue. Mothers are a key influence on adolescent girls' body image. This study evaluated an accessible, scalable, low-intensity internet-based intervention deliv... Read More about Randomized controlled trial of an online mother-daughter body image and well-being intervention.

Current practices in the provision of one-to-one psychosocial support for young people with burn injuries and their families (2016)
Presentation / Conference
Armstrong-James, L., Cadogan, J., Williamson, H., Rumsey, N., & Harcourt, D. (2016, May). Current practices in the provision of one-to-one psychosocial support for young people with burn injuries and their families. Presented at British Burn Association Annual Meeting 2016,, Newcastle, UK

Introduction Very little published research has evaluated psychosocial interventions for young people with burn injuries. A recent systematic review of psychosocial interventions for those with a range of appearance-altering conditions and injuries... Read More about Current practices in the provision of one-to-one psychosocial support for young people with burn injuries and their families.

Looking age-appropriate while growing old gracefully: A qualitative study of ageing and body image among older adults (2016)
Journal Article
Jankowski, G. S., Diedrichs, P. C., Williamson, H., Harcourt, D., & Christopher, G. (2016). Looking age-appropriate while growing old gracefully: A qualitative study of ageing and body image among older adults. Journal of Health Psychology, 21(4), 550-561. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105314531468

© SAGE Publications. Body dissatisfaction can be significantly detrimental to wellbeing. Little is known about older adults' body image, despite the fact that ageing causes unique bodily changes and that sociocultural pressures to resist these change... Read More about Looking age-appropriate while growing old gracefully: A qualitative study of ageing and body image among older adults.

Systematic review: Psychosocial interventions for children and young people with visible differences resulting from appearance altering conditions, injury, or treatment effects (2015)
Journal Article
Jenkinson, E., Williamson, H., Byron-Daniel, J., & Moss, T. (2015). Systematic review: Psychosocial interventions for children and young people with visible differences resulting from appearance altering conditions, injury, or treatment effects. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 40(10), 1017-1033. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsv048

© 2015 The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. Objective Evaluate critically the evidence of the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for children/young peop... Read More about Systematic review: Psychosocial interventions for children and young people with visible differences resulting from appearance altering conditions, injury, or treatment effects.

Designing and evaluating the acceptability of Realshare: An online support community for teenagers and young adults with cancer (2015)
Journal Article
Marder, B., Panteli, N., Griffiths, C., Brunton, D., & Williamson, H. (2015). Designing and evaluating the acceptability of Realshare: An online support community for teenagers and young adults with cancer. Journal of Health Psychology, 20(12), 1589-1601. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105313519154

© 2014 SAGE Publications. A participatory action approach was used to design and evaluate the acceptability of the Realshare online community. Pre and post-intervention focus groups were conducted and participants were asked to test out Realshare dur... Read More about Designing and evaluating the acceptability of Realshare: An online support community for teenagers and young adults with cancer.

The psychosocial impact of being a young person with an unusual appearance (2014)
Journal Article
Williamson, H. (2014). The psychosocial impact of being a young person with an unusual appearance. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing, 3(4), 186-188. https://doi.org/10.12968/joan.2014.3.4.186

Living with an unusual or different appearance as a result of a disfigurement from birth, an accident or illness can be particularly challenging for young people in today's appearance-obsessed society. Heidi Williamson explores the psychological and... Read More about The psychosocial impact of being a young person with an unusual appearance.

The development and acceptability of YP Face IT (2012)
Presentation / Conference
Griffiths, C., & Williamson, H. (2012, September). The development and acceptability of YP Face IT. Presented at Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference 2012, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

The development of YP Face It: An online support programme for young people aged 13–17 with a visible difference (2012)
Presentation / Conference
Griffiths, C., & Williamson, H. (2012, June). The development of YP Face It: An online support programme for young people aged 13–17 with a visible difference. Presented at Eurpoean Conference in Paediatric Psychology: Joint conference of PPN-UK and PPN-NI, St Anne's College, University of Oxford

There is a lack of evidence-based psychological interventions and limited support resources to address the psychosocial difficulties experienced by young people with disfigurement (visible difference) resulting from traumatic injury, congenital or... Read More about The development of YP Face It: An online support programme for young people aged 13–17 with a visible difference.

Adolescents' and parents' experiences of managing the psychosocial impact of appearance change during cancer treatment (2010)
Journal Article
Williamson, H., Harcourt, D., Halliwell, E., Frith, H., & Wallace, M. (2010). Adolescents' and parents' experiences of managing the psychosocial impact of appearance change during cancer treatment. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 27(3), 168-175. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043454209357923

Using combined qualitative data from multiple case study interviews and an online survey, this study explored the impact of appearance change on 22 adolescents receiving cancer treatment aged 13 to 18 years and six of their parents. Data were analyze... Read More about Adolescents' and parents' experiences of managing the psychosocial impact of appearance change during cancer treatment.

A qualitative study using photo-elicitation to explore the experiences of families at burn camp
Presentation / Conference
Armstrong-James, L., Cadogan, J., Williamson, H., Rumsey, N., & Harcourt, D. A qualitative study using photo-elicitation to explore the experiences of families at burn camp

Aims: To use photo-elicitation to explore the experiences of children with a burn injury and their families attending a family burn camp. Introduction: Burns camps aim to provide children with a fun and supportive environment, in which they carry... Read More about A qualitative study using photo-elicitation to explore the experiences of families at burn camp.