Stigmatizing attitudes from the general public towards people with psoriasis and the behavioural immune system

Background: Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic skin disorders and is known for its substantial psychosocial impact. Stigma from the general public plays a significant role. Yet there is limited knowledge and research done regarding determinants and mechanisms that explain or predict these stigmatizing attitudes from the general public. Potentially the behavioural immune system (BIS) plays a role. Aims: The aim of the study is to gain insights into factors of the BIS that potentially influence stigmatizing attitudes of the general public, to facilitate the development of an appropriate intervention targeting the reduction of such attitudes. Methods: A sample of 150 participants between the age of 19 and 73 (M= 31.4, SD=13.1) where included. They filled in an online questionnaire after reading a vignette about an encounter with a person with psoriasis. Questionnaires measured perceived vulnerability to disease, knowledge of psoriasis and the personality trait openness to...Show moreBackground: Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic skin disorders and is known for its substantial psychosocial impact. Stigma from the general public plays a significant role. Yet there is limited knowledge and research done regarding determinants and mechanisms that explain or predict these stigmatizing attitudes from the general public. Potentially the behavioural immune system (BIS) plays a role. Aims: The aim of the study is to gain insights into factors of the BIS that potentially influence stigmatizing attitudes of the general public, to facilitate the development of an appropriate intervention targeting the reduction of such attitudes. Methods: A sample of 150 participants between the age of 19 and 73 (M= 31.4, SD=13.1) where included. They filled in an online questionnaire after reading a vignette about an encounter with a person with psoriasis. Questionnaires measured perceived vulnerability to disease, knowledge of psoriasis and the personality trait openness to experience. Results: There was no significant association found between higher levels of perceived vulnerability to disease and stigmatizing attitudes towards people with psoriasis (p=.23). Furthermore, neither openness to experience (p=.24) nor knowledge of psoriasis (p=.25) mediated this relationship. Notably, individuals with lower levels of knowledge about psoriasis displayed greater stigmatizing attitudes towards people with psoriasis (p=<.001). Discussion: It is therefore recommended to focus on increasing knowledge about psoriasis in future intervention development. Next to this it is recommended to further investigate if the BIS affects stigma towards people with psoriasis with other determinants and methods and to evoke stigma with visual cues.Show less

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Stigmatizing attitudes from the general public towards people with psoriasis and the behavioural immune system