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DEBIE questionnaire confirms psychological effects following cosmetic interventions

A peer-reviewed and created questionnaire was found to be an accurate, reliable tool to assess the general population’s perception of aesthetic dermatology and its contribution to a patient’s emotional well-being.

The Aesthetic Dermatology and Emotional Well-being questionnaire (DEBIE) was designed to assess six factors: the importance of aesthetic skin for the patient; whether the patient has thought about undergoing an aesthetic treatment and whether he or she believes the treatment(s) will help prevent the signs of aging skin; the patient’s knowledge of noninvasive or slightly invasive cosmetic treatments for skin rejuvenation; and the importance placed on aesthetic dermatology to improve the patient’s self-concept, optimism and social relationships.

Researchers applied the 57-item questionnaire to a sample of 770 individuals from the Spanish general population. Average time taken to complete the questionnaire was 14 minutes.

Through an analysis of the questionnaire, the researchers found it had clear factorial structure, internal consistency, was easy to understand and apply, could be answered in a short amount of time and was applicable for anyone over the age of 18.

The questionnaire was also useful in determining the general population’s perception regarding aspects of aesthetic dermatology, aspects related to emotional state and the relationship between the two, according to the researchers.

The researchers concluded that quality of life can be improved with cosmetic intervention by making people feel healthier and more satisfied with their appearance, decreasing anxiety or depression, and encouraging better emotional well-being and self-confidence. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.