The mediating role of internalized shame on the relationship between cognitive avoidance and interpersonal difficulties in predicting the quality of life in patients with vitiligo

Vitiligo, as one of the most common skin pigment production disorders has significant psycho-social consequences for patients, so it is important to discover the variables affecting mental health in these patients. present study aims to consider mediating role of internalized shame in the relationship between cognitive avoidance and interpersonal difficulties in predicting the quality of life of vitiligo patients.

The current research was of a descriptive correlation type. The statistical population of the research consisted of all the people referred to Razi Hospital in Tehran who were suffering from vitiligo. 170 people purposefully selected based on the inclusion criteria. In this research, Sexton and Dagas cognitive avoidance, Barkham's interpersonal problems, World Health Organization's quality of life, and Cook's internalized shame questionnaires were used. Data analysis was done by Pearson correlation coefficient test, regression analysis and path analysis using SPSS 26 and PLS software.

The results showed that the internal shame in the relationship between interpersonal problems and quality of life was recognized as a relative mediating variable. The path of cognitive avoidance with quality of life and internal shame as a mediating variable was not significant with a significance level of less than 0.05.

Mental health professionals can play an important role by considering the role of internal shame in helping vitiligo patients to overcome challenges, improve their mental health and well-being.