Researchers have introduced a Dermatology Social Comparison (DSC) scale, specifically crafted for dermatology patients. This three-question scale was developed to address the inadequacies of existing tools and initially targets conditions like eczema and psoriasis, with plans for broader application after further validation. The scale’s creation responds to growing interest in how social comparison, influenced by social media, impacts patient mental health and their perception of illness severity compared with clinical evaluations.
The development of the DSC scale involved several stages, starting with qualitative interviews with both patients and healthcare providers, followed by the selection and expert refinement of relevant items from existing tools into an 8-question Likert scale. This was eventually condensed to three questions after pilot testing and was validated with over 1,000 patients at three dermatological centers. The scale proved to be both reliable and valid, showing positive correlations with quality of life impairment, anxiety, and perceived disease severity, while negatively correlating with stability and resilience.
Reference: Andrus E. New Dermatology Social Comparison Scale Demonstrates Acceptable Psychometrics for Clinical and Research Applications. Dermatology Times. Published April 17, 2024. Accessed April 30,2024. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/new-dermatology-social-comparison-scale-demonstrates-acceptable-psychometrics-for-clinical-and-research-applications
