title: [Self-concept in subjects after first heart attack, patients with selected dermatological diseases and healthy individuals].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This work is aimed at comparing the self-concept of individuals suffering from somatic diseases differing in the severity of symptoms and their visibility.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was carried out in three groups of subjects aged 30 to 65 years, with an even proportion of males and females: 160 dermatological patients, 160 patients after first heart attack and 160 healthy individuals. The structure and content of self-concept were measured with The Wheel Questionnaire by Ben Shalit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Somatically ill individuals revealed lower levels of self-acceptance and motivation for psychological change than healthy individuals, and they also possessed less self-knowledge then healthy subjects. These qualities of self-concept can diminish the adaptive abilities of ill persons. Therefore, the aims of psychological work with these patients should include enhancing their self-acceptance and willingness to change, as well as widening their self-awareness by encouraging reflection and exploration of various areas of experiencing and functioning.
authors.forename: Aleksandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zarek
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires