Fear of Negative Evaluation and Life Satisfaction among Patients with Psoriasis: The Mediating Role of Inferiority Complex

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that significantly impacts physical health and psychological well-being. The visible nature of psoriatic lesions often leads to social stigmatization, amplified social anxiety, and diminished quality of life. This study examined the mediating role of inferiority complex in the relationship between fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and life satisfaction among individuals with psoriasis. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative design, data were collected from112 participants aged 21 to 37 years through purposive sampling from dermatology outpatient departments in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Participants completed the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNES), Inferiority Complex Scale (COMPIN-10) and the Riverside Life Satisfaction Scale (RLSS). Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and mediation analysis using PROCESS Macro. Findings revealed significant relationships among all variables. Fear of Negative Evaluation was positively correlated with inferiority complex (r = .24, p < .05) and negatively correlated with life satisfaction (r = -.58, p < .01). Inferiority complex was negatively correlated with life satisfaction (r = -.33, p < .01). Mediation analysis confirmed that inferiority complex partially mediated the relationship between FNE and life satisfaction (B = -0.059, 95% CI [-0.151, -0.004]), with the indirect effect accounting for approximately (8.6%) of the total effect. These findings underscore the psychological burden of psoriasis and highlight the critical need for integrated care approaches addressing both dermatological and mental health needs, particularly targeting social anxiety and self-perception issues