The Practical Utility of Psychometric Scales for the Assessment of the Impact of Posttraumatic Scars on Mental Health

This study assessed the psychosocial impact of post-traumatic scars using psychometric scales, focusing on the effectiveness of the Mekereș’ Psychosocial Internalization Scale (MPIS). The cohort included 293 participants, with 153 having posttraumatic scars and 140 having surgical scars. Key predictors for posttraumatic scar internalization included adaptation time, age at occurrence, and subjective appraisal, while depression and hopelessness were predicted by subjective appraisal of scars and posttraumatic quality of life. The findings suggest that psychological and social responses to trauma-related scarring can indicate susceptibility to psychopathology.