Negative Emotions in Skin Disorders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to describe how negative emotions were investigated in the sphere of dermatological diseases, in order (1) to summarize literature trends about skin disorders and emotions, (2) to highlight any imbalances between the most studied and neglected emotions, (3) and to offer directions for future research. A computerized literature search provided 41 relevant and potentially eligible studies. Results showed that the study of emotions in skin disease is limited to Sadness/depression and Fear/anxiety. The emotions of Anger and Disgust have been poorly explored in empirical studies, despite they could be theoretically considered a vulnerability factor for the development of skin disorders and the dermatological extreme consequences, as negative emotionality toward self and the pathological skin condition. The bibliometric qualitative analysis with VOSViewer software revealed that the majority of the studies have been focused on the relationships between vitiligo and Sadness/depression, dermatitis and Fear/anxiety, psoriasis, and Anger, suggesting the need of future research exploring Disgust and, in general, a wider emotional spectrum.

An analysis of qualitative responses from a UK survey of the psychosocial wellbeing of people with skin conditions and their experiences of accessing psychological support

“…1 Cumulatively, these phenomena highlight the adverse and cyclical effect that living with a skin condition can have on an individual's mood and physiological wellbeing. 4 Furthermore, these experiences often result in individuals adapting their behaviours and lifestyle, such as deploying avoidancebased coping, which can further perpetuate mental health difficulties. 5 Currently there are only a small number of in-depth large-scale qualitative studies that have sought to describe the range of psychosocial experiences of those living in the UK with skin conditions.…”

“…Studies have demonstrated that psychological distress can affect the perceived physical severity of a variety of skin disorders 1 . Cumulatively, these phenomena highlight the adverse and cyclical effect that living with a skin condition can have on an individual’s mood and physiological wellbeing 4 . Furthermore, these experiences often result in individuals adapting their behaviours and lifestyle, such as deploying avoidance‐based coping, which can further perpetuate mental health difficulties 5 …”

The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on the Psychosomatic Spectrum of Oral Diseases: Mapping the Evidence

“…Also, in pemphigus vulgaris, another debilitating autoimmune condition, various clinical trials have concluded that there was higher mucocutaneous involvement in patients with higher depression levels. These findings emphasize the possible role of the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in reducing the stress, pain, anxiety, and quality of life in such patients [ 22 ].…”

It’s more than just lubrication of the skin: parents’ experiences of caring for a child with ichthyosis

“…Broken skin (skin that has fissures, cracks, bleeds etc. ), such as in ichthyosis, may elicit disgust (Clarke, Thompson, & Norman, 2020 ), a concept that is understudied in research in the dermatologic field (Mento, Rizzo, Muscatello, Zoccali, & Bruno, 2020 ). Within clinical care, healthcare professionals may not feel confident in exploring this topic with parents or individuals with skin disorders such as ichthyosis.…”