Ruiz-Doblado, Carrizosa, and Hernandez (2003) also report a high prevalence of mood, adjustment, and depressive

and anxiety disorders. A systematic review www.selleckchem.com/products/chir-99021-ct99021-hcl.html of 19 studies, on a total sample of 1271 participants, established there are negative psychological issues in patients with AA, particularly regarding “self-esteem, body image, and/or self-confidence,” (Tucker, 2009). There are individual differences in coping styles in adolescents with AA. Some adolescents are likely to adopt adaptive styles, whereas others tend to use maladaptive styles of coping (Cartwright, Endean, & Porter, 2009; Garcia, 2010). Cash, Santos, and Williams (2005) discussed three aspects of body image coping: avoidance, appearance fixing, and positive rational acceptance, suggesting Ku-0059436 manufacturer that such strategies develop in conditions that are likely to threaten or affect an individual’s self-concept and body image. Because of the unpredictable nature of AA, emotional coping and social support, as compared to problem-oriented coping strategies, play a significant role in dealing with hair loss (Stowell, Kiecolt-Glaser, & Glaser, 2001). Social situations may be anticipated as being fearful and create avoidance which could in turn generate more fear (Newell, 2000). Children with

AA find it challenging to handle bullying and ridicule at school (Hunt & McHale, 2005). Adolescents feel uncomfortable revealing their appearance-related concerns to peers which further produces feelings of isolation. Constant negative thoughts and language create anxiety, worry, and self-blame, all negative types of coping (Garcia, 2010). Coping style depends on sex and age; age and ethnicity have also been shown to mediate coping behaviours in adolescents with AA (Wilson, Pritchard, & Revalee, 2005). Seeking support from family and friends is effective in dealing with appearance-related concerns of people with a visible disfigurement (Rumsey, Clarke, White, Wyn-Williams, & Garlick, 2004). Thompson, Kent, and Smith (2002) propose

that living too with an appearance-changing illness is not linear and incremental. Factors such as personality traits, severity, and duration of the condition play a vital role with respect to the adaptation and coping process. Bereavement for one’s previous appearance is a part of adaptation and coping. A number of psychological adjustments are desirable before one can start reconciling with the altered appearance (Papadopolous & Bor, 1999). There are sex differences in the use of coping strategies by adolescents (Frydenberg & Lewis, 1996). Women face more negative psychosocial consequences with hair loss. Hair loss results in significant deterioration in women’s self-concept as compared to men (Freedman, 1994). The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of adolescents’ personal lived experiences of AA.