Early appearance concerns after burns: Investigating the roles of psychological flexibility and self-compassion.
Body Image
; 51: 101797, 2024 Oct 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39357425
ABSTRACT
Few qualitative studies have explored appearance concerns soon after burn injuries. This study aimed to understand the early experiences of appearance concerns after burns, through the lens of psychological flexibility and self-compassion. Template analysis informed data collection and analysis. Fifteen adults (nine female, six male) with appearance concerns were interviewed within three months of their burns. Three superordinate themes were identified (1) Need for social connection; (2) Distress through difference; and (3) Experiential avoidance and self-criticism in response to early appearance concerns. Findings highlighted that early appearance concerns are influenced by the need for social acceptance and the desire to conform to societal ideals. Internalised gender and appearance ideals and concerns about rejection and stigma were activated by the burn, and individuals had difficulty responding to their early appearance concerns with psychological flexibility and self-compassion. Instead, attempts to avoid distress (experiential avoidance) occurred. Self-criticism in response to distress was evident which, for some, extended to the event leading to their burns. Early interventions to enhance psychological flexibility and self-compassion (e.g., acceptance and commitment therapy, mindful self-compassion), to help individuals respond to appearance concerns with less experiential avoidance and self-criticism, would likely promote adjustment to changes in appearance after burns.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Body Image
/
Body image
Assunto da revista:
PSICOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de publicação:
Holanda