Is this the life that I want to have? : values-based self-affirmation for young people with dermatological conditions

Values as therapeutic Jocil processes and motivators: a systematic review. A systematic search revealed 19 papers pertaining to therapeutic use of values. Six reported significant positive correlations between values-based living and well-being. Twelve of the remaining 13 presented evidence that supported the use of valuesbased interventions to: enable the adaptive acceptance of distress (two), increase values clarity and values-based living (five of six), improve psychosocial/physical function (two), and increase tolerance of threats to self worth (three). Further research is required, particularly outside the populations of students and peopl'e with chronic health problems. A theoretical model is presented whereby values-based interventions may improve well-being through two compatible pathways: increasing values-based living and reducing psychological threat to self worth. Section two: Research report Values-based self-affirmation Jor young people who experience skin-related distress A multiple case studies approach was used to evaluate a values-based self-affirmation intervention using nomothetic measures, idiographic daily repeated measures and qualitative data. Participants comprised 11 young people with psychosocial distress self-attributed to their dermatological condition. Depression and anxiety reduced significantly at the group level (p<O.OS), and individual level (N=7). Skin-related frustration and restrictions reduced, whilst reported preoccupation and concealment increased. Qualitative data indicated increased values-based living and reduced skin-related threats to self-worth post-inte'rvention. Participants identified empathic discussion to be more important than self-affirmation. Skin-related distress in young people can be reduced using a simple intervention that could be implemented by nursing staff. Further research is required to clarify the active components and mechanisms of change.