Whether present from birth or acquired later in life, a disfigurement, which is visible to others, can have a profound impact on those affected. Difficulties experienced can be pervasive and debilitating, and include negative experiences related to social encounters with others and adverse effects on self-esteem and quality of life. This project aims to clarify the factors and processes that exacerbate distress and/or promote successful psychological adjustment. By focusing on those aspects which are amenable to change, the knowledge generated by this research will be used to inform the development of a comprehensive range of methods of support and interventions designed to promote positive adjustment in those affected. This is a multi-centred study assessing factors involved in adjustment in adults with a wide range of disfiguring conditions.

Kindly supported by the Welton Foundation.

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