Psychological distress in individuals with Rosacea: the interplay between trait emotional intelligence and social phobia

Background: Previous findings have suggested that individuals with rosacea may suffer from psychological distress and experience fear of social interaction and others’ evaluation due to altered facial appearance. Concurrently, several studies have showed emotional-related dispositions are crucial to handle medical conditions, it is thus relevant to assess the role of trait emotional intelligence (Trait EI) in the context of Rosacea. The goal of this study is to test a mediation model of Social phobia in the relationship between Trait EI and Psychological distress. Methods: In a sample of 224 individuals with Rosacea aged between 18 and 73 years old (M = 38.29; SD = 10.59) instruments were administered to measure Trait EI, Social Phobia, and Psychological distress. Results: A structural equation modelling with latent variables was used to test a model with Trait EI as predictor variable, social phobia as mediator, and psychological distress as outcome. The model showed adequate fit indices: χ2(24) = 61.73; p<.001, CFI = .97, RMSEA = .08 (90% CI = .06 – .11). Significant paths were found from Trait EI to social phobia (β = -.50; p< .001) and psychological distress (β = -.60; p< .001). Moreover, a significant path was found from social phobia to psychological distress (β = .26; p< .001). Furthermore, a significant indirect association was found from Trait EI to psychological distress by social phobia (β = -.13; p< .05). Discussion: Intervention programs should foster Trait EI in individuals with Rosacea to improve their clinical efficacy.