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Directions and issues in psychosocial research and methods as applied to cleft lip and palate and craniofacial
1Department of Dental Ecology, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599.
Insights
Psychosocial research on cleft lip and palate has shifted from a "medical model" to a "social science model." This new approach focuses on adaptation and the broader psychosocial impact, rather than psychopathology.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Historically, cleft lip and/or palate research used a
- medical model
- focusing on psychopathology as a consequence of birth defects.
- Recent research employs a
- social science model
- shifting focus to adaptation and adjustment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an expanded framework for psychosocial research on cleft lip and/or palate and craniofacial conditions.
- To encourage interdisciplinary collaboration beyond psychology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis of research paradigms.
- Proposal of new research questions and methodologies.
Main Results:
- The
- social science model
- suggests most individuals with clefts do not exhibit psychological pathology.
- Research should explore social, cultural, and psychological ramifications of visible differences.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for comprehensive psychosocial research in craniofacial conditions.
- Future research should integrate insights from sociology, anthropology, ethics, economics, and health services research.
Abstract:
Psychosocial research into cleft lip and/or palate and craniofacial conditions has historically employed a "medical model" of research that sought to clarify whether patients experienced psychopathology as a consequence of the birth defect. In recent years, this paradigm has been replaced by a "social science model" of research that posits that most individuals with clefts do not manifest psychological pathology. The "social science model" examines adjustment and adaptation in the patients and their families. Research questions may consider the social, cultural, and psychological ramifications of being different in terms of speech, appearance, or identity. The authors suggest that an expanded set of research questions be considered, and that researchers from sociology, anthropology, ethics, economics, health services research, as well as psychology, become engaged. This paper proposes a range of possible research topics and indicates likely trends in research design and methodology.
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