Dentofacial deformities have an adverse impact on functional as well as
psychological wellbeing. Being highly visible, they may lead to a host of
psychological problems particularly in youths and young adults as concerns about
bodily identity and integrity are likely to be most prominent. Body image and
self-esteem have been noted to play an important role in adjusting to
disfigurement. Those who opted for corrective orthognatic surgery with realistic
expectations were found to have a higher level of satisfaction with the outcome of
the surgery. In contrast, undue and unrealistically positive aspirations towards the
surgery are implicated in increased post-operative psychological difficulties.
This study aimed to systematically document the variability of psychological
adjustment and study the predictors of well-being in individuals with dentofacial
deformity after orthognathic surgery.
Seventy patients pending to go through orthognathic surgery were recruited
from a university based dental hospital. Assessments of the patients’ overall
psychological condition and adjustment towards their dentofacial deformity were
conducted with standardized questionnaires and compared with similar
assessment conducted with control subjects. The patients’ motivations for
orthognathic surgery, psychological well-being, as well as expectations on the
outcomes of surgery were studied through individually conducted psychological
assessment interviews. Patients were re-assessed at 6 and 12 months after
surgery on their level of satisfaction toward the outcome of surgery as well as to
gauge possible changes in their psychological condition.
There was no excess of significant psychopathology in patients with
dentofacial deformity compared to the normal control group. However, as
predicted, people with dentofacial deformity were more dissatisfied with their
facial attractiveness. They also have more problems in interpersonal sensitivity.
In the patient group, functional impairment or disability was a lesser concern
compared to body image and presentation. Improvement of physical attractiveness
was a strong underlying motivation for treatment. Longitudinal data on patients’
level of satisfaction with the treatment outcomes and perceived benefits
associated with the improved facial esthetics will be further analyzed in the light
of their underlying psychological vulnerabilities or resilience. The results are
expected to cast light on factors that may affect patients’ satisfaction with the
treatment.
The results of the study confirmed that dissatisfaction with facial appearance
prompted acceptance of surgery despite its associated discomfort and hazards.
The findings of the study are expected to be useful in better informing
clinical psychological interventions with aims of enhancing adjustment and
forestalling psychological morbidity through early intervention with individuals
coping with facial disfigurement. / published_or_final_version / Psychiatry / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:HKU/oai:hub.hku.hk:10722/182279 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Wu, Yuen-fan, Lina., 胡婉芬. |
| Publisher | The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong) |
| Source Sets | Hong Kong University Theses |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | PG_Thesis |
| Source | http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B47849381 |
| Rights | The author retains all proprietary rights, (such as patent rights) and the right to use in future works., Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Hong Kong License |
| Relation | HKU Theses Online (HKUTO) |
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