Cognitive Emotional Regulation, Perceived Stress and Psychological General Well-Being In Patients With Skin Diseases: A Comparative Study

Skin has long been recognised as “organ of expression”, according to Sack, as cited in (Walker & Papadopoulos, 2005) and serves as the boundary between ourselves and outside world. While the skin and central nervous system are ectodermal derivatives, a good part of an individual’s perception takes place through skin. Psychopathological factors can play a significant role in development of skin disorders, can exacerbate pre-existing skin disorders, or dermatology patients may suffer the psychosocial consequences of disfigurement.

The purpose of the study was to compare patients with acne, psoriasis, and melanosis on perceived stress, cognitive emotional regulation and psychological general well-being and also to compare patients with skin disease with non-disease group. The study included 30 skin patients (acne =10, melanosis=10, psoriasis= 10) ages ranging from 20 to 40 years and 30 non disease individuals of same age group. Perceived stress scale, cognitive emotional regulation questionnaire, psychological general well-being inventory were administered to the patients. Analytical evaluation was done by independent t test and ANOVA.

The results of the present study revealed that there is significant difference for perceived stress and psychological general well-being among skin patients and non-disease group. There is significant difference between psoriasis, melanosis and acne with respect to perceived stress and positive wellbeing. Psoriasis patients have comparatively higher perceived stress and acne patients have comparatively higher positive well-being. The study is to stimulate professionals working in the field of dermatology and mental health to explore their supportive communication and increased awareness regarding the difficulties that patients with skin diseases face.