A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies of alopecia: Managing identity and appearance changes.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Alopecia is a medical dermatology condition resulting in multiple psychosocial negative consequences in identity and appearence. Despite numerous qualitative studies examining the experience of people with alopecia, a comprehensive synthesis is lacking. This can obscure progress in research and minimize the impact of psychosocial support people with alopecia can receive. This systematic meta-synthesis aimed to critically integrate the existing literature to enhance psychological understanding of how people with alopecia manage issues about identity and appearance changes, and provide some evidence-based recommendations for clinicians working in the area of psychodermatology.

Methods

A systematic search of six databases: APA PsycInfo (OVID), Medline (OVID), Embase (OV

SUBMITTER: Hurrell Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12814765 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature