Acceptability and feasibility of an online psychosocial intervention for Dutch adolescents with a visible difference: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents with a visible difference can experience difficult social situations, (e.g., people staring or making unwanted comments) and are at risk for mental health problems. Unfortunately, interventions for adolescents with a visible difference who experience appearance-related distress are scarce and lack an evidence-base. This study tests the acceptability and feasibility of YP Face IT, an innovative online psychological intervention, in Dutch adolescents. Methods: Adolescents aged 12-18 with a visible difference and access to an internet-enabled computer or tablet participated. They completed YP Face IT (eight sessions). Prior and directly after YP Face IT questionnaires were administered to inform future study design. After YP Face IT in-depth interviews took place to assess the acceptability and feasibility of YP Face IT and study procedures. Results: 15 adolescents consented to participation, one person dropped out after one session. Adolescents appreciated the intervention and would recommend it to other adolescents experiencing appearance-related distress. Everyone reported personal growth after following the sessions. Some struggled with motivation, but reminders by the website and research team were helpful. Discussion: The Dutch YP Face IT intervention is acceptable and feasible to use. An RCT should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Adolescents and parents’ perception of Young Person's Face IT: An online intervention for adolescents struggling with conditions affecting their appearance

“…Second, some adolescents mentioned that YPF could be perceived as somewhat childish. This was reported also in van Dalen et al 29 and Riobueno-Naylor et al, 28 who suggested tailoring the content to older adolescents. Based on our findings, developing a simpler and less time-consuming version of the programme, possibly for younger adolescents, should alternatively be considered.…”

“…14 Other features of YPF that were mentioned as possibly less useful, were the discussion forum and the journal, in line with previous pilot studies. 20,29 For future implementations of YPF, a plan for how to continually update and improve the programme seems paramount to maintain its relevance and acceptability.…”

Predictors of adolescents’ response to Young Person’s Face IT: A web-based intervention to improve psychosocial adjustment to having an appearance-affecting condition (Preprint)

“…Several studies across the world have explored the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention van Dalen et al, 2021b), and YPF consequently exists in English (https://www.ypfaceit.co.uk), Norwegian (https://www.ungfaceit.no/), and Dutch (https://www.faceitvoorjongeren.nl/). The British version of YPF was evaluated in a feasibility trial by and was delivered to adolescents with a wide range of conditions leading to a visible difference.…”

“…indicating that the intervention could improve body esteem and reduce social anxiety . Similarly, the Dutch version of YPF was evaluated in an acceptability and feasibility study, but without the use of a randomisation procedure and a control group (van Dalen et al, 2021b). Adolescents generally found that YPF was relevant and contained pertinent techniques and stated that the intervention had made a positive impact on them and that they would recommend YPF to other adolescents with a visible difference.…”

“…Adolescents generally found that YPF was relevant and contained pertinent techniques and stated that the intervention had made a positive impact on them and that they would recommend YPF to other adolescents with a visible difference. Some endorsed the anonymity afforded by the design of the intervention and the intervention's ease of access, but some cited lack of time and motivation as barriers to engagement with YPF (van Dalen et al, 2021b). The studies by Riobueno-Naylor et al…”