The effect of a child with a cleft lip and palate on family functioning
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Authors
Rich, Eileen Patricia
Issue Date
2009-08
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Family functioning , Family structure , Family systems theory , Family Assessment Measure - III (FAM-III) , Coping behaviour , Task Accomplishment , Role Performance , Communication , Involvement , Orofacial cleft , Cleft lip and palate
Alternative Title
Abstract
The present study explored the effect of the birth of a child with a cleft lip and palate on family
functioning within the context of family systems theory. Five families, each with a child who was
born with a cleft lip and palate, were included in the study. The five couples were all married
and they were the biological parents of their children whose ages ranged from two months to
five years. All five sets of parents were initially interviewed together and then had separate
individual interviews where the Family Assessment Measure-III was administered. The results
reflected each family's distinctive patterns of interaction and how they adapted to the birth of a
child with an orofacial cleft. Factors found to affect family functioning included: External support
systems, individual coping skills, family rules and boundaries, open communication and
cohesion among family members.
Description
Citation
Rich, Eileen Patricia (2009) The effect of a child with a cleft lip and palate on family functioning, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2553>