Skip to main content

Shame and self-disgust in psychosomatic diseases

Shame and Self-Disgust in Skin Diseases

Skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic eczema are among the ten most common diseases worldwide and are often accompanied by considerable psychological stress such as shame, disgust, and self-devaluation. These emotions can lead to social withdrawal, reduced quality of life, and limited adherence to therapy, but are often overlooked in dermatological practice. The aim of our research is to investigate how Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT; Gilbert, 2010) can reduce such negative emotions and improve the well-being of those affected. In an early concept paper, we described the role of shame and stigma in skin diseases and emphasized the need for psychological assessment and integrated care (Fink-Lamotte & Stierle, 2022). Building on this, we were able to show in an experimental study that a short, compassion-focused intervention reduces shame and skin-related self-criticism (Stierle & Fink-Lamotte, 2024). Our most comprehensive contribution to date is our systematic review  Fink-Lamotte, Wehle et al., 2025), which summarizes 50 studies that examined the prevalence and effects of shame and disgust in acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It shows that visible skin changes are strongly linked to shame, self-disgust, and social avoidance, and that compassionate and mindfulness-based approaches offer promising ways to reduce these emotions.

 

Cooperations with:

Interventions used (use freely available)

For the experimental induction of shame and disgust in skin diseases

For interventions with shame and self-disgust in skin diseases

Shame and Self-Disgust in Sexual Dysfunction

This project investigates the relationship between disgust and sexual dysfunction. Disgust is considered an important emotional factor in the development and maintenance of mental disorders. Previous research suggests that disgust can inhibit sexual arousal, particularly in individuals with genito-pelvic pain disorder (GPPPD), and trigger a negative cycle that leads to avoidance of sexual stimuli. However, this connection has not yet been tested experimentally, and research is lacking on other common disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED). Specifically, the aim is to experimentally investigate how cognitive evaluations of sexual situations increase disgust and promote avoidance, particularly in GPPPD. The study includes at least 190 participants in three groups (GPPPD, ED, control group). Self-reports and scenario-based tasks are used to assess cognitive evaluations and reactions to sexual stimuli. It is assumed that a better understanding of these relationships could improve the treatment of patients with GPPPD and ED. In an initial study involving 66 individuals with vulvas, participants with sexual dysfunction reported significantly more disgust-related thoughts than individuals with high sexual functioning. Analyses identified three forms of disgust: object, self, and moral disgust, which were associated with negative sexual beliefs, reduced arousal, and avoidance. Building on these findings, we developed and validated a sexual disgust questionnaire in a subsequent study.

 

Cooperations with:

  • Umut Özdemir, Psychologischer Psychotherapeut in eigner Praxis
  • Julia Velten, Ruhr-Universität Bochum