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Original Research
Emotional-informational support and post-traumatic growth in skin disorders
Submitted: 22 January 2025 | Published: 29 August 2025
About the author(s)
Shannon J. Hawker, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South AfricaNtsoaki F. Tadi, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Lehlohonolo Makhakhe, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Abstract
Background: Psychophysiological skin disorders’ high prevalence necessitates establishing factors that enable the development of personal strength, self-esteem and receiving adequate support.
Aim: To investigate the relationship between self-esteem and post-traumatic growth (PTG), as well as whether aspects of perceived social support moderate or mediate the relationship between self-esteem and PTG in participants living with psychophysiological skin disorders.
Setting: The study was conducted in South Africa.
Methods: Quantitative, non-experimental, and correlational research design was utilised. 100 participants diagnosed with psychophysiological skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, and alopecia, were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling method. The Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were used. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.
Results: Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients and multiple hierarchical regression analyses were performed to investigate the research objectives. A significant positive relationship was found in participants between self-esteem and PTG, with coefficients indicating a moderate to large effect size. As an aspect of perceived social support, emotional-informational support acts as a moderator between self-esteem and PTG. Further, tangible support as an aspect of perceived social support was found not to moderate or mediate the relationship between self-esteem and PTG.
Conclusion: The findings of the current study confirm that only emotional-informational support as an aspect of perceived social support moderates the relationship between self-esteem and PTG among participants living with psychophysiological skin disorders.
Contribution: This insight highlights the need for psychosocial interventions that prioritise emotional and informational support dimensions.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
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