Background
People with psoriasis can experience psychological distress that might be amenable to psychosocial self-help.
Objectives
This study tested the feasibility and acceptability of two theoretically developed self-help interventions designed to reduce feelings of shame and improve quality of life.
Methods
A randomized controlled feasibility trial was conducted comprising 130 participants with psoriasis who were randomly allocated to receive either compassion-based self-help (n = 65) or mindfulness-based self-help (n = 65), over a 4-week period. Both interventions were provided online.
Results
The interventions were found to be acceptable, with over 70% of study completers reporting that they found the materials helpful. Of the 130 participants, 92 completed the study, with attrition at 29%. Both interventions showed modest yet statistically significant reductions in shame (Cohen’s d = 0.20) and improvements in quality of life (Cohen’s d = 0.40).
Conclusions
Self-help based on compassion and mindfulness is acceptable to users, and can reduce feelings of shame and improve quality of life for people living with psoriasis.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)