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Cited by 286Body Image and Dysmorphia StudiesDermatologic Treatments and ResearchMental Health Treatment and Access

Altered body image: appearance‐related concerns of people with visible disfigurement

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Rumsey, Nichola, Clarke, Alex, White, Paul, Wyn‐Williams, Menna, Garlick, Wendy·2004·Journal of Advanced Nursing
DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2004.03227.x
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Abstract

Aim. The aim of this paper is to report a study to establish the extent and type of psychosocial needs of outpatients attending for treatment of a wide range of disfiguring conditions. Background. Visible disfigurements can be associated with extensive psychosocial difficulties. The majority of research to date has been carried out with people identified by themselves or others as experiencing difficulties. Little is known about levels of distress in the broader population of patients receiving treatment for a range of disfiguring conditions. Methods. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted, with a convenience sample. Participants ( n = 458) drawn from 15 outpatient clinics completed standardized measures of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), social anxiety and avoidance (Derriford Appearance Scale short‐form) and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale). A semi‐structured interview was used to generate further quantitative and qualitative data about individual concerns, and satisfaction with the provision of care. Staff views about levels of psychosocial distress were elicited through group discussions. Results. The results revealed high levels of psychological distress in the sample, compared with normative values. The majority of difficulties related to problems experienced in social situations. Patient satisfaction with care was generally high; however, and 71% of participants expressed a moderate to strong desire for a health care professional with training to deal with their appearance‐related concerns. Nursing staff felt unable to address patients’ appearance‐related difficulties because of time constraints, lack of an environment conducive to the discussion of patients’ concerns, and lack of appropriate knowledge and training. Conclusion. A significant proportion of participants experienced psychosocial distress in relation to their visible difference. Psychosocial needs were poorly met in current outpatient care provision, and a range of options could be considered to address these more effectively.

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  • Difficulties adjusting to an altered appearance can lead to anxiety, shame, reduced self-worth, social avoidance and isolation, which can significantly interfere with social, occupational and relational functioning, lowering quality of life for some individuals.

    “Difficulties adjusting to an altered appearance can lead to anxiety, shame, reduced self-worth, social avoidance and isolation which can significantly interfere with social, occupational and relational functioning, lowering quality of life for some individuals [8-12].”

    From The role of psychological flexibility in appearance anxiety in people who have experienced a visible burn injury. (2019) · cites this paper as [9]

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  • Body image experiences are subjective and need not match objective body changes visible to others.

    “It is critical to recognize that body image experiences are inherently subjective and not necessarily congruent with objective body changes readily observed by others.”

    From Multidimensional analysis of body image concerns among newly diagnosed patients with oral cavity cancer (2010) · cites this paper as [11]

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Kent G. & Thompson A. (2002) The development and maintenance of shame in disfigurement: implications for treatment. In Body Shame (Gilbert P. & Miles J., eds), Brunner-Routledge, Hove.
  2. Rumsey N. (2002) Body image and congenital conditions with visable differences. In Body Image: A Handbook of Theory, Research and Clinical Practice (Cash T.F. & Pruzinsky T., eds), Guilford Press, New York.

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Authors
Rumsey, N., Clarke, A., White, P., Wyn‐Williams, M., & Garlick, W.
Affiliations
University of the West of England (GB)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2004-11-03
Volume
48
Issue
5
Pages
443-453
ISSN
  • 0309-2402 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2648
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2648.2004.03227.x
OpenAlex
W2067644418
Cited by
286
References
22
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 19 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 26
FWCI
8.51
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Journal of Advanced Nursing (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UWE Research Repository (UWE Bristol) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatologic Treatments and Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
Keywords
body image, psychosocial distress, social anxiety, social avoidance, quality of life, patient satisfaction, nursing staff training, psychosocial needs, outpatient care, anxiety and depression
MeSH terms
Congenital Abnormalities, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Analysis of Variance, Anxiety, Body Image, Cross-Sectional Studies, England, Female, Humans, Life Style, Male, Middle Aged, Quality of Life, Stress, Psychological, Wounds and Injuries, Patient Satisfaction

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