More than skin deep: Links between social, emotional and mental health and eczema severity for young people at school

A chronic condition is defined as a condition or illness lasting three months or more (U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, 2014), and often can't be prevented or cured by medication.

The impact that a chronic condition can have on daily life can vary greatly; chronic conditions can be unstable in their presentation of symptoms, so the impact can differ depending on a number of factors.

The impact of chronic conditions on young people at school is an ongoing concern, and links between physical and mental health have been explored in research previously.

Despite existing research, at present, the emotional and educational needs of this group can often go unrecognised, and without appropriate support.

The review paper investigates the views and perceptions of school staff in relation to supporting pupils with a chronic condition at school.

The findings revealed a number of key themes relating to barriers and concerns to education for this group.

A number of considerations are discussed in relation to implications for Educational Psychology practice.

The empirical paper explores the impact of a particular condition, atopic eczema, on the social, emotional and mental health of young people at school, and also their perceived quality of life.

The data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using correlational and regression analyses.

Forty-eight pupils completed questionnaires relating to their eczema severity, quality of life, and social, emotional and mental health.

The findings indicate severity of eczema predicts the degree of impact on social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

This replicates the well-established relationship between chronic conditions and a negative impact on social, emotional and mental health.

The thesis concludes with a dissemination and impact paper which outlines the study's academic, policy, and social implications, including directions for Educational Psychology practice.

In addition, it outlines the dissemination plan for the research.