Disgust, shame and the psychosocial impact of skin picking: Evidence from an online support forum

Abstract

This article examines the accounts of individuals who problematically pick their skin and explores their subjective experiences. In total, 100 problem disclosure statements were taken from posts made to a publicly accessible online skin picking support forum. These posts were systematically analysed using thematic analysis. Themes of disgust, shame and psychosocial avoidance dominated the analysis and appeared central to the experience of skin picking. Skin picking was shown to be a heterogeneous experience with a complex emotional profile. We argue that disgust, shame and related avoidance behaviour should be considered when conceptualising skin picking and considering treatment interventions.

Psychometric properties of the excoriation (skin‐picking disorder) dimensional scale

“…The SPD‐D is a 5‐item measure that reflects the DSM‐5 criteria for SPD, as well as other important symptoms seen in the body focussed repetitive behaviours (BFRBs). The items assess: (a) frequency of skin‐picking behaviours or urges to enact these behaviours (reflecting Criteria A of the SPD diagnosis; American Psychiatric Association, 2013); (b) distress related to symptoms (reflecting Criteria C of the SPD diagnosis; American Psychiatric Association, 2013); (c) control over symptoms (reflecting Criteria B of the SPD diagnosis; American Psychiatric Association, 2013); (d) avoidance of activities due to symptoms (reflecting avoidance as a major factor in the BFRBs (Anderson & Clarke, 2019); and (e) interference with daily functioning (also reflecting Criteria B of the SPD diagnosis; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The SPD‐D enquires about symptoms that have occurred over the past week.…”

Treatment of skin picking disorder: Interdisciplinary role of dermatologist and psychiatrist

“…Majority of times these patients have co-occurring psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, avoidant behaviors, and poor impulse control. 15 When a patient visits a dermatologist for initial consultation, dermatologist has a unique opportunity to develop a rapport and create a Patients with skin picking disorder may present with different symptom categories and the symptomatology and treatment preferences could vary in different patients. Table 3 shows symptom-based categorization of skin of skin picking associated symptoms.…”

“…These patients try to cover their lesions with makeup and camouflage. Majority of times these patients have co‐occurring psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self‐esteem, avoidant behaviors, and poor impulse control 15 …”

Charities’ use of Twitter: exploring social support for women living with and beyond breast cancer

“…Data was taken from an online space considered 'public' (Anderson & Clarke, 2017;British Psychological Society, 2009;Chae, 2015;Zimmer & Proferes, 2014) with tweets being public by default (Twitter, 2016). As such, it is deemed that no specific consent for use was necessary, positioning the 'information' or 'tweet' as 'the subject under investigation' rather than the individual tweeter.…”