Factors associated with negative observer responses towards individuals with visible differences: A scoping review

•Factors associated with negative observer responses to disfigurement were reviewed.•Negative observer responses decreased with age among youth, and sex differences were mixed.•Disfigurements were treated as cues of threat and contagious disease.•Higher levels of disgust sensitivity were linked to m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Body image 2018-06, Vol.25, p.103-132
Main Authors: Jewett, Lisa R., Gumuchian, Stephanie T., Pepin, Mia, Rice, Danielle B., Kolorz, Franziska, Harrison, Pamela, Thombs, Brett D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude
Body Image - psychology
Burns - psychology
Craniofacial Abnormalities - psychology
Disfigurements
Humans
Negative observer responses
Reaction Time
Scoping review
Visible differences
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Summary:•Factors associated with negative observer responses to disfigurement were reviewed.•Negative observer responses decreased with age among youth, and sex differences were mixed.•Disfigurements were treated as cues of threat and contagious disease.•Higher levels of disgust sensitivity were linked to more negative responses.•Overall evidence was limited and findings diverged across studies. People with visible differences are often confronted with negative observer responses, including stares, disgust, and avoidance. Characteristics of negative observer responses are well-documented, but less is known about associated factors. We conducted a scoping review to map what is known about factors associated with negative observer responses. Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched, and 16 articles met inclusion criteria. Two general categories of factors were identified: (1) observer characteristics, including age, sex, and socioeconomic status, experiences with disfigurements, and personal beliefs or attitudes related to visible differences; and (2) evolved internal mechanisms, including threat-detection, disgust, and disease avoidance. Additionally, there was evidence that lack of anonymity influences lower reporting of observer reactions. Efforts that increase exposure to individuals with visible differences may ameliorate adverse reactions; however, due to the limited nature of evidence reviewed, further research is needed before more concrete recommendations can be made.
ISSN:1740-1445
1873-6807
DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.02.007