Coping with a Cleft: Psychosocial Adjustment of Adolescents with a Cleft Lip and Palate and Their Parents

Abstract

The findings show little evidence of significant psychosocial adjustment difficulties for adolescents with a cleft or for their mothers. The concepts of adjustment, coping, satisfaction with appearance, and maternal mental health in this population are discussed. The results highlight the importance of timely interventions and seeking multiple perspectives in clinical management of a cleft. Questions are raised about the completion of self-report measures for future research in this population.