Mindfulness and psychosocial functioning in visible skin conditions

Abstract

Background: Living with a visible skin condition can have implications for physical and psychological health with people being at risk of experiencing social distress and poor quality of life. Despite this, there are relatively few psychological interventions available. There is increasing interest in the use of mindfulness approaches for people experiencing chronic physical health difficulties with evidence suggesting that mindfulness interventions are effective in reducing symptoms associated with social anxiety. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mindfulness and psychosocial distress in people living with visible skin conditions. Method: Dermatology outpatients (n=120) completed questionnaires assessing social anxiety, depression, anxiety, skin shame, quality of life (DLQI), subjective severity of condition and mindfulness (FFMQ). Findings: Regression analyses revealed that mindfulness explained between 6% and 38% of the variance in outcomes after controlling for age and subjective severity. Awareness emerged as the most consistent independent predictor. Discussion: The findings provide support for using mindfulness interventions, particularly those focusing on awareness to reduce psychosocial distress in people living with visible skin conditions.