A Comparative Study of Social Intelligence and Social Adjustment Skills in Children and Adolescents with and without Vitiligo

Sadat Musavi, Nafiseh; Rahmati, Kiana; Mahvelati, Azadeh; Moradi Tavallai, Arezoo; Razmara Ferezghi, Mahdi

doi:10.22038/jpp.2025.92663.5612

A Comparative Study of Social Intelligence and Social Adjustment Skills in Children and Adolescents with and without Vitiligo

Document Type : original article

Authors

Nafiseh Sadat Musavi ¹

Kiana Rahmati ²

Azadeh Mahvelati ¹

Arezoo Moradi Tavallai ³

Mahdi Razmara Ferezghi ²

¹ Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, Imam Reza University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

² Department of Dermatology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

³ Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22038/jpp.2025.92663.5612

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder that can significantly affect psychosocial development, especially when it starts in childhood or adolescence. Visible skin changes can lead to social stigma, emotional distress, and difficulties in social interaction.
Objective: This study aimed to compare social intelligence and social adjustment skills between children and adolescents with vitiligo and their healthy peers.
Methods: A matched case-control design was used including 88 participants aged 10–18 years (44 with vitiligo and 44 controls). Participants completed the Tromsø Social Intelligence Scale and the California Social Adjustment Questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including independent t-tests and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), were performed to assess group differences across total and subscale scores.
Results: Children and adolescents with vitiligo exhibited significantly lower social intelligence and adjustment than controls across all assessed subdomains (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Vitiligo may impair crucial aspects of social functioning during developmental years, likely due to a combination of psychosocial factors such as stigma and emotional distress. Integrating psychosocial support and social skills training into the clinical management of pediatric vitiligo may enhance resilience and well-being. Further studies with more diverse populations are needed to examine cultural influences and confirm these findings.

Keywords

Adolescent

Child

Social Adjustment

Social Intelligence

Vitiligo

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