The psychological implications of writing online: the experience of blogging about visible and chronic skin conditions

Tour, Selina Kaur (2018). The psychological implications of writing online: the experience of blogging about visible and chronic skin conditions. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

It is becoming more widely recognised that chronic skin conditions can negatively impact on quality of life. The first chapter details a meta-analysis which assesses the internal consistency of a widely used measure for capturing this impact – the Dermatology Life Quality Index. The review indicates a high level of internal consistency for the measure, but unexplained heterogeneity across studies which should be further explored. The second chapter details research aiming to explore blogging online about a chronic, visible skin condition through email interviews and blog content analysis. We found that individuals reached a stage of feeling defeated by their condition and turned to blogging. Blogging provided the ability to support both the self and others and was often contingent on the state of the skin. A desire for social approval was unique to the interview findings. It is unknown whether this is a blogging phenomenon or as result of having a visible condition the visible condition. Nonetheless, blogging appeared to provide individuals with a way to tolerate the uncertainty that arises from a chronic condition. Implications of the current research and potential for further research are discussed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):