Moderate acne as a potential barrier to social relationships: Myth or reality?

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a skin disease affecting many young people and, if it continues into their twenties, can be a substantial barrier to social relationships. Although there is evidence that sufferers are adversely psychologically affected, what is less apparent from research to date is whether this is because of negative self-beliefs or the discriminatory attitudes of others. This study set out to explore how far young people with moderate acne are viewed less favourably compared to their clear-skinned peers. The design was quasi-experimental. The faces of two male and two female 21-year-old volunteers with clear skin were photographed and then photographed again after having had facial signs of moderate acne simulated by a professional make-up artist. Photographs of a male and female face were given to 143 participants who were divided randomly into two conditions: “Clear” and “acne”. The former were shown the unblemished faces and the latter were given the faces with acne. The participants were asked to estimate the age of the person in the photograph and then rate the volunteer on a scale of 16 personality items. It was found that the participants in the “clear” condition estimated the volunteers as two years older and more mature than in the “acne” condition. In terms of personality, the photographs in the “clear” condition were given higher scores for potential friendship, attractiveness and overall positive personality features than the photographs in the “acne” condition. The conclusion is that moderate acne vulgaris could be a potential barrier to social relationships for young people not simply because of their social anxiety but because they may well be meeting with prejudice. It is suggested that attitudes might be changed by more accurate information about the condition.

Keywords:

• acne
• social relationships
• stigma and prejudice
• personality traits
• social perceptions

Acknowledgement

The advice and guidance of Dr. Sherrill Snelgrove and Dr. Andrew Hull, School of Health Science, University of Swansea and the assistance of Rachel Hancock are gratefully acknowledged.