This theme is concerned with the interaction between the physical appearance of the body and health and well-being and the role played by broader psychosocial factors.

L0070353 Acne Vulgaris. An Introduction to Dermatology Norman Walker, 1925. Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images. Copyrighted work available under Creative Commons Attribution only licence CC BY 4.0.

As such it is concerned with understanding the influence of psychosocial, cultural, historical, and ethical factors upon the appearance of the body and satisfaction, perception, and experience and use of the body.

In addition, the theme is interested in the development of psychosocial and medical interventions geared at changing appearance or/and managing factors associated with appearance concern and appearance related stigmatisation. As such the theme strives to be a home for interdisciplinary research into disfigurement, appearance, and body image.

Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to psychological and social issues associated with…

• obesity
• skin conditions
• facial disfigurement
• burns