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Social support networks among families of children with craniofacial anomalies
B A Benson1, A M Gross, S C Messer
1University of Mississippi, University 38677.
Insights
Parents of children with craniofacial deformities (FD) experience less social support and satisfaction. A child
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Craniofacial deformities (FD) present unique challenges for families.
- Understanding social support is crucial for family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate social support availability and satisfaction in families of children with FD.
- To identify factors influencing parental social support.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study matching 36 children with FD to 36 controls.
- Utilized the Social Support Questionnaire-Revised and semistructured interviews.
- Assessed child development using the Revised Denver Developmental Screening Test.
Main Results:
- Parents of children with FD reported significantly less social support and lower satisfaction.
- Greater physical impairment and lower child attractiveness correlated with reduced support.
- Child's social competence was the strongest predictor of parental social support.
Conclusions:
- Families of children with craniofacial deformities require enhanced social support systems.
- Parental perception of child's social competence significantly impacts support received.
- Further research needed on parental underreporting of behavioral issues in FD children.
Abstract:
Investigated the social support available to families of children born with craniofacial anomalies and the perceived degree of satisfaction derived from these relationships. Thirty-six children (1 month to 5 years old) born with craniofacial deformities (FD) were matched by age and sex to 36 children with no significant physical or behavioral problems. The Social Support Questionnaire-Revised, the Revised Denver Developmental Screening Test, and a semistructured interview were administered. Results indicated that parents of FD children reported less available social support and were significantly less satisfied with their support. Parents of children who had more severe physical impairments and were rated as less attractive reported having less available and less satisfying social support. In particular, the social competence of the child was the most important predictor of parental social support. This result is interesting as the parents of FD children appeared to underreport the presence of behavioral-psychological problems in their children.