Evaluation of the effectiveness of Face IT, a computer-based psychosocial intervention for disfigurement-related distress
Open accessAbstract
Some people who have a visible difference (disfigurement) experience psychosocial adjustment problems that can lead to social anxiety and isolation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new computerised CBT-based intervention (Face IT) in reducing anxiety and appearance-related distress for individuals with visible differences. Face IT was tested against a non-intervention control group and standard CBT-based face-to-face delivery. Eighty-three participants were assessed at four time points using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales, Derriford Appearance Scale-24, Body Image Quality of Life Inventory and Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE). The findings indicate a significant reduction in anxiety and appearance-related distress in both the Face IT intervention and the face-to-face condition. Similar findings were reported for depressive symptoms and FNE. Results at the three and six months follow-up demonstrate increased improvements in psychological functioning with both interventions. This new online psychosocial intervention has been found to be effective at reducing anxiety, depression and appearance concerns amongst individuals with disfigurements, whilst increasing positive adjustment. A remote-access, computer-based intervention offers the potential to provide psychosocial support more easily and in a cost-effective manner to adults with appearance-related distress.
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There is some evidence that CBT combined with elements of social interaction skills training can be effective in improving several aspects of well-being for people with visible disfigurement.
“There is some evidence that these interventions can be effective in improving several aspects of well-being (Bessell et al., 2012; Williamson et al., 2015).”
From A Novel Psychological Group Intervention Targeting Appearance-Related Distress Among People With a Visible Disfigurement (Inside Out): A Case Study (2023) · cites this paper as Bessell et al., 2012
Bessell et al. (2012) found a significant reduction in anxiety and appearance-related distress in patients with visible disfigurements who participated in a computerized CBT-based intervention.
“Bessell et al. (2012) also found a significant reduction in anxiety and appearance-related distress in patients with visible disfigurements who participated in a computerized”
From A Novel Psychological Group Intervention Targeting Appearance-Related Distress Among People With a Visible Disfigurement (Inside Out): A Case Study (2023) · cites this paper as Bessell et al. (2012)
Bessell et al. (2012) showed that both the live face-to-face approach and the online approach had a positive effect on outcomes.
“Furthermore, Bessell et al. (2012) showed that both the live face-to-face approach and the online approach had a positive effect on outcomes.”
From A Novel Psychological Group Intervention Targeting Appearance-Related Distress Among People With a Visible Disfigurement (Inside Out): A Case Study (2023) · cites this paper as Bessell et al. (2012)
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“Real-time tailored feedback can reinforce target behaviors [22], which, for individuals with a visible difference, could include the practice of social skills training (an evidence-based component to help individuals manage difficult social encounters [23]), tailored mindfulness practices, and valued goals related to…”
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- Authors
- Bessell, A., Brough, V., Clarke, A., Harcourt, D., Moss, T. P., & Rumsey, N.
- Affiliations
- University of Plymouth (GB)
- The Royal Free Hospital (GB)
- University of the West of England (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Bessell, A.
- Venue
- Psychology, Health & Medicine
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2012-10
- Volume
- 17
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 565-577
- ISSN
- 1354-8506 (ISSN-L)
- 1465-3966
- OpenAlex
- W2125490780
- Cited by
- 95
- References
- 17
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 8.73
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- eprints.uwe.ac.uk
- Licence
- cc-by
- Locations
- Psychology Health & Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- UWE Research Repository (UWE Bristol) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- PEARL (University of Plymouth) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Keywords
- FACE-IT, computer-based intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, disfigurement, appearance-related distress, anxiety, depression, fear of negative evaluation, body image, social anxiety, visible difference
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anxiety, Body Image, Esthetics, Face, Facial Injuries, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Quality of Life, Social Isolation, Stress, Psychological, Therapy, Computer-Assisted, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Multivariate Analysis, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Craniofacial Abnormalities, Internet, Young Adult
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