Journal article

Publication year: 2016

Pages: 78-82

Journal: Acta Dermato-Venereologica

Volume number: 96

ISSN: 0001-5555

eISSN: 1651-2057

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2373

Publisher: Medical Journals Sweden

Abstract: 
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease associated with high levels of psychological distress and considerable life impact. Feelings of shame and stigmatization can lead to avoidance of social activity and intimacy. In this study, the Touch-Shame-Disgust questionnaire (TSD-Q) was used to evaluate pleasure in touching oneself and in a partnership, parental touching during childhood and (skin-related) shame and disgust. Skin-related disgust and shame were significantly higher in psoriasis patients than in healthy controls. Moreover, psoriasis patients scored significantly lower than skin-healthy controls concerning appraisal of self-touching and parental touching. In contrast, psoriatic patients scored higher concerning appraisal of touching in a partnership. Due to the fact that low self-esteem might enhance the negative evaluation of touch and the feelings of shame and disgust, psychological interventions should be integrated in the treatment of psoriasis.

Harvard Citation style: Lahousen, T., Kupfer, J., Gieler, U., Hofer, A., Linder, M. and Schut, C. (2016) Differences Between Psoriasis Patients and Skin-healthy Controls Concerning Appraisal of Touching, Shame and Disgust, Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 96, pp. 78-82. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2373

APA Citation style: Lahousen, T., Kupfer, J., Gieler, U., Hofer, A., Linder, M., & Schut, C. (2016). Differences Between Psoriasis Patients and Skin-healthy Controls Concerning Appraisal of Touching, Shame and Disgust. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 96, 78-82. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2373