Self-Concept of Children and Adolescents with Cleft Lip and/or Palate

The self-concept of 105 children (8 to 11 years) and adolescents (12 to 18 years) with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) was studied using the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale and selected demographic and medical variables. Results indicated that most (98%) of children had average or above average self-concept scores. Further analysis, however, demonstrated an interaction between age and gender: adolescent girls experienced a more negative self-concept in comparison to younger girls and adolescent boys experienced a more positive self-concept in comparison to younger boys. In addition, popularity cluster scores for all children were below the mean for the normed population. Because children with CLP have additional difficulties (i.e., facial disfigurement, speech and language deficits, multiple surgeries), professionals should intercede to prevent or interrupt negative psychosocial outcomes, particularly for adolescent girls.