Understanding Adjustment to Disfigurement: the Role of the Self-concept

The objective of this study was to determine whether variation in psychological adjustment to physically disfiguring conditions is related to organisation of the content of appearance-related information in the self-concept. A cross-sectional design was employed, using 70 participants with a range of appearance problems recruited from support groups and the NHS. A postal paper and pencil task was completed by participants which assessed the level of their adjustment using the Derriford Appearance Scale, and measured the three self-concept variables – differential importance, compartmentalisation and complexity. Regression analyses showed that poor adjustment to disfigurement is related to greater differential importance of appearance-related self-aspects, greater compartmentalisation of appearance-related information and greater self-concept complexity. No moderating effects were found between these independent variables. The results have implications for psychological treatment strategies, particularly cognitive behavioural therapeutic interventions.