Examining the Psychosocial Needs of Adolescents with Craniofacial Conditions
Abstract
Like other adolescents with special health care needs, those with craniofacial conditions (CFCs) may experience declines in their quality of life, resiliency, and self-esteem. Yet there are unique aspects of adjusting to CFCs as well. For example, individuals may experience emotional and social distress after surgical interventions, possibly due to unmet or unrealistic expectations, which can affect their psychological well-being. In light of these challenges, studies have proposed that resiliency and social skills training should be taught to adolescents/young adults with facial differences in order to confront these difficulties and improve their quality of life, psychological well-being, and the ability to cope in difficult situations. However, based on current research, there are no standard interventions designed to promote these skills and few studies have attempted to address this gap in the literature. This proposed study seeks to address the deficits in craniofacial research by further explicating the psychosocial needs of adolescents (aged 14–18) diagnosed with a CFC through the use of focus groups. We hope to use the feedback from these focus groups to develop an Integrative Psychotherapeutic intervention designed to improve social skills, enhance resiliency and positive thinking, and develop cognitive restructuring and mindfulness techniques. Findings from this study could provide vital information to help those with CFCs who are experiencing psychosocial challenges.
Subject Area
Developmental psychology|Psychology
Recommended Citation
Riklin, Eric Isaac Kagan, "Examining the Psychosocial Needs of Adolescents with Craniofacial Conditions" (2018). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI10842078.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI10842078
