Directions and issues in psychosocial research and methods as applied to cleft lip and palate and craniofacial anomalies

Psychosocial research into cleft lip and/or palate and craniofacial conditions has historically employed a 'medical model' of research that sought to clarify whether patients experienced psychopathology as a consequence of the birth defect. In recent years, this paradigm has been replaced by a 'social science model' of research that posits that most individuals with clefts do not manifest psychological pathology. The 'social science model' examines adjustment and adaptation in the patients and their families. Research questions may consider the social, cultural, and psychological ramifications of being different in terms of speech, appearance, or identity. The authors suggest that an expanded set of research questions be considered, and that researchers from sociology, anthropology, ethics, economics, health services research, as well as psychology, become engaged. This paper proposes a range of possible research topics and indicates likely trends in research design and methodology.