Online Psychosocial Support for Young People With a Visible Difference: A Randomised Control Study

Online Psychosocial Support for Young People Distressed by Appearance-altering Conditions: A Randomised Control Trial (RCT)

A visible difference can have a profound impact in a society with a massive emphasis on appearance and "looks". A vulnerable group is adolescents with a condition affecting their appearance as a result of injuries (burns, accidents), treatment (cancer), skin conditions or congenital anomalies (birthmarks, craniofacial conditions). Research has identified potential psychological difficulties, which, if not addressed, can lead to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

In addition to medical treatment options, aiming at diminishing a difference that may be visible to others, young people with appearance concerns also need self-management skills. However, evidence-based interventions are scarce and specialised psychological treatment is difficult to reach.

The Centre for Appearance Research (Bristol, UK) has developed an online intervention for adolescents, now translated into Norwegian (www.ungfaceit.no). UNG Face IT provides easy access to specialist advice and support via a home computer, using information, videos, and interactive activities. It provides advice, teaches coping and social skills, strengthening psychological adjustment to a visible difference.

A systematic evaluation of the Norwegian version is needed. UNG Face IT could potentially address unmet needs, provide a cost-effective tool to reduce the need for "face-to-face" psychological and surgical/medical services, and contribute to make online health care available for young people with a visible difference.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 12-17 with an appearance-altering condition, and experiencing appearance-related distress, teasing, or bullying
• Access to a home computer/tablet and internet
• Reading level > 12 years of age. Audio recordings for all written text available on the website for those who may struggle with reading
• Normal/corrected-to-normal vision

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical depression, psychosis, eating disorder (alternative support necessary)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or within 12 months of traumatic injury (alternative support necessary)
• Learning disability that would impede understanding of the programme's content
• Currently receiving psychological intervention