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Appraisal and coping in adults with cleft lip: Associations with well‐being and social anxiety
Author(s) -
Cochrane Vicky M.,
Slade Pauline
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
british journal of medical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.102
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 2044-8341
pISSN - 0007-1129
DOI - 10.1348/000711299160194
Subject(s) - psychology , coping (psychology) , anxiety , clinical psychology , perception , well being , developmental psychology , social support , life satisfaction , psychological well being , psychiatry , social psychology , psychotherapist , neuroscience
The appraisal patterns and coping strategies of adults born with a cleft lip or cleft lip and palate were assessed in relation to measures of psychological well‐being and social anxiety. A sample of 51 adults was recruited via the Cleft Lip and Palate Association. Data were collated using a questionnaire incorporating open questions and standardized measures. The focus was upon appraisal of the cleft, perceptions of consequences ‐ both positive and negative ‐ on personal and social dimensions, together with measurements of sense of coherence, psychological well‐being, satisfaction with life and coping responses utilized in stressful situations. There was wide variability in the participants' reports of negative affect as a component of psychological well‐being, suggesting that there may be small numbers of individuals with quite extreme responses. Seventy‐five per cent reported difficulties which they attributed to their cleft. Perceiving positive gains as a result of thecleft and having a positive appraisal of facial appearance was associated with well‐being. Patterns in coping strategies were also associated with emotional adjustment. Personal appraisals of both having a cleft and facial appearance may be more important in determining emotional well‐being than the current medical emphasis on the aesthetics of surgical outcomes.