[Factors influencing body image in individuals with selected dermatological diseases].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between body concept and personality, and sociodemographic, physical and medical factors in der- matological patients with skin lesions localized in socially visible body areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out in 160 dermatological patients (80 females and 80 males) aged 30-60 years (mean = 48.26; SD = 9.15) whose skin lesions were localized in the area of the face/head and/or hands. Body image was measured with the Body Image Questionnaire based on the Body Cathexis Scale of P.F. Secord and S.J. Jourard. The self concept was measured with the Adjective Check List of H.G. Gough and A.B. Heilbrun, and The Wheel Questionnaire of Ben Shalit. CONCLUSIONS Body self image of dermatological patients was influenced mostly by personality traits.