Self indentified personality patterns of children with facial or orthopedic disfigurement

Abstract

This study compared personality characteristics of children with cleft lip and palate to another group of children with different observable physical impairment (orthopedic disability) and speech difficulties. It was hypothesized that different types of observable physical stigmata may result in different personality adaptations. Forty-five children from each of two groups (25 males and 20 females) were matched for sex, age, and intelligence. They were compared using the Missouri Children's Picture Series, a non-verbal personality test, on the following dimensions: Conformity, Masculinity/Femininity, Maturity, Agression, Inhibition, Activity Level Sleep Disturbance and Somatization. The results indicate that males with cleft lip and palate are significantly higher on Maturity and Inhibition while Orthopedically Disabled males are higher on Agression, Activity Level, and Somatization. Cleft lip and palate females are significantly higher on Maturity and Inhibition while Orthopedically Disabled females are higher on Masculinity. The results indicate differential personality adaptations in the two different types of observable physical impairments. Results are discussed in terms of their relationship to selected psychosocial variables.