Validity study for the stigmatization experience in atopic dermatitis and psoriatic patients

A central experience of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis is th e feeling of stigmatization, This can be estimated by the "(Questionnaire o n Experience with Skin Complaints" (QES), based on the "Feelings of Stigmat ization Questionnaire" by Ginsburg & Link. This study was designed to evalu ate the psychometric properties of the QES, especially the validity of this questionnaire, and to supply more information about the stigmatization exp eriences of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Three groups of patients were analysed: 76 with atopic dermatitis, 81 and 217 with psoriasi s, respectively. The comparison of subgroups with different affected region s revealed that the genital region is especially relevant for the stigmatiz ation experience in these patients. In addition, the feeling of stigmatizat ion (estimated by the QES) is relatively independent of the different dimen sions of the "Trier Scales of Coping with Diseases", except for the depress ive coping style "Rumination" measuring a high amount of inner concern with the afflicting disease. It can be concluded that the QES is a valid and re liable instrument for examining the stigmatization experience of patients w ith atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.