Impact of cutaneous disease on the self-concept: an existential-phenomenological study of men and women with psoriasis.

Journal: Dermatology nursing

Volume: 19

Issue: 4

Year of Publication: 2007

Affiliated Institutions:  Community Service, Helen Joseph Hospital, Psychology Department, Puril, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

The aim of this article is to focus on the meaning-making experience of men and women who suffer from psoriasis and the impact on the various dimensions of the self-concept. The methodology employed relied on existential phenomenology so as to create the rich descriptions of the lived experiences of this group. Descriptions were elicited from the formulation of an open-ended question. It was discovered that (a) the self-concept is pivotal in the experience of what it means to live with psoriasis, (b) the attitude of doctors towards their patients impacts the sufferer's emotional well-being, and (c) trait self-esteem appears to be related to psychological recovery. The results of this study revealed many important areas for future research and suggest that having a healthy self-concept prior to developing psoriasis is pivotal in accounting for why some people recover remarkably well psychologically and others do not. The findings have important implications for all within the health care profession in helping to effect positive change in their future endeavors with persons suffering from cutaneous disease.

Authors & Co-authors:  Watson Tracy T de Bruin Gideon P GP

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 
SSN : 1060-3441
Study Population
Men,Women
Mesh Terms
Adaptation, Psychological
Other Terms
Study Design
Phenomenological Study,Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
United States