Study of Personality Traits and Body Image in Patients with Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis Referred to Dermatology Clinics of Hospitals in Ilam City

Abstract

Background: The skin is one of the most tangible organs involved in social interactions throughout life. It responds to emotional stimuli. Considering the important role of personality traits and body image in the occurrence of psychosomatic diseases, Objectives: It was necessary to compare personality traits and body image in patients with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Methods: In this study, 80 patients with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis referred to skin clinics of hospitals in Ilam city were considered as the sample size. The data collection instruments in this study included a survey with demographic information, the standard Big Five Personality Factors Questionnaire (NEO-FFI) to examine personality traits, and the Body Image Questionnaire (MBSRQ). After collecting the data, SPSS22 software was used to analyze the information. Results: The average age of the participants was 31.31 ± 8.8 years. 55% of the participants were single, and the rest were married. 50% of the participants had seborrheic dermatitis, 43.8% had psoriasis vulgaris, and 6.2% had scalp psoriasis. A significant difference was observed in the neuroticism trait among patients in all three groups. There is a significant difference at the 5% significance level among the three groups of patients with seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and psoriasis vulgaris. Conclusions: Considering the important role of personality traits and body image in the occurrence of psychosomatic diseases, and the impact that skin diseases have on the body and mind of individuals, the effect of skin diseases on mental state includes a wide range of anxiety to abnormal concern in the patient. These psychological characteristics are capable of causing or intensifying the skin disease. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the psychological aspects of these diseases and implement interventions to control their psychological impact on patients.