[German version of the Skin Shame Scale (SSS-24) : Validation with dermatological patients and dermatologically healthy individuals].

BACKGROUND

Skin shame plays an important role in the psychological distress of dermatological patients. However, it is rarely examined in research or clinical practice due to the lack of availability of a robust measure of skin shame. This study sought to adapt and validate the Skin Shame Scale (SSS-24) for use in the German-speaking population.

METHODS

The SSS-24 questionnaire was completed by 488 dermatologically healthy (DH) individuals (66.6% women) and 339 dermatological patients (DP; 66.7% women). Participants also completed measures of general shame (SHAME) and of psychological distress (BSI[Brief Symptom Inventory]-18).

RESULTS

The SSS-24 showed adequate psychometric properties and a high internal consistency in both samples (DH: α = 0.91; DP: α = 0.95). DP reported more skin shame than DH (p < 0.001) but in both samples more skin shame was associated with more general shame and more psychological distress (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the psychometric properties of the English original version were replicated in the German version of the SSS-24. Due to the strong associations with general shame and psychological distress, skin shame should be considered an important parameter in psychodermatology. The SSS-24 enables further research into the role of shame in skin conditions and provides a useful tool for identifying patients who might benefit from psychosocial interventions.