A longitudinal investigation of teasing and bullying among children with cleft lip and/or palate.

Abstract

The main aim of the present study was to investigate the factors which contribute to teasing/bullying among children with CLP. A previous study identified that children with similar types of CLP are not uniformly teased/bullied. Seventy-five children took part in the study with their parent/guardian on two occasions, therefore the study was a longitudinal investigation using a repeated-measures design. The average time between data collection points was 8 months. Children completed a teasing/bullying questionnaire and a number of psychological instruments measuring anxiety, selfesteem, depressive mood and behaviour problems. The children also took part in a semi- structured interview schedule specially designed for the present study. The interview addressed issues specific to children with CLP which are not addressed by any currently available standardised measures. A parent/guardian of each child completed a parenting stress questionnaire.

The results revealed a higher prevalence of at least 16% more teasing/bullying among children with CLP compared to the general population. Teasing/bullying decreased with age among children with CLP. The relationship between teasing/bullying at primary school and increased levels of psychological problems was also identified, although scores were not within the clinical range overall. The role of the parent in developing healthy appearance and speech-related emotion regulation among younger children was identified as a protective factor against teasing/bullying. Recommendations for clinical application relate to the role of healthcare professionals providing care for children with CLP. Clinicians are required to provide support and teasing/bullying related information to children and parents. Part of their new role is also to increase links with the school to help reduce teasing/bullying.

Date of Award	Dec 2010
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	Orlagh Hunt (Supervisor), Donald Burden (Supervisor) & Peter Hepper (Supervisor)