Exploring parental reactions to the diagnosis of cleft lip and palate

The birth of an infant with a facial cleft evokes a range of emotions and reactions in parents. During acceptance of a child's disability, parents are said to progress through several stages similar to those responses reported in the bereavement process. This paper describes the process of adapting in terms of personal construct theory, and reports a pilot of the repertory grid technique as a therapeutic tool to elicit parental reactions following diagnosis of cleft lip and palate. Two mothers compared other significant life events to their reactions to the diagnosis of cleft lip and palate. This pilot supported the use of the repertory grid technique as a means to facilitate exploration of parental responses. Comparisons to the bereavement process were evident, although individual reactions or perceptions may differ from those expected. Recommendations are made for a wider research study within cleft lip and palate.