Methods: Qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews with 11 individuals with repaired complete CLP from 3 Canadian cities. Sample size was determined by the principle of theoretical saturation.
Results: The data gathered and analyzed in this project were used to generate a model illustrating several components of the social dynamic of living with CLP. Childhood stigmatization can play a big role in shaping social relationships of affected individuals. By causing persistent feelings of difference, “defectiveness” and “unworthiness”, stigmatization can lead to social passivity and/or hostility, posing obstacles for sustaining healthy relationships. When healthy relationships with "key-figures" are present, they can play a pivotal role in protecting and supporting affected individuals against the harm of stigmatization. They do this through reinforcing positive self-perception. Such beneficial effects on self-perception were consistently reported by participants to be the most influential factor in shaping their judgment of what constitutes a supportive versus a non-supportive relationship. Our results show how a vicious cycle may manifest itself, where childhood stigmatization leads to social dysfunction, which consequently impairs relationships with others, preventing the potential positive effects of these relationships on the stigma, the initiator of this cycle.
Conclusion: Early intervention in children with CLP to prevent childhood stigmatization and its repercussions may be crucial in leading affected individuals down a positive life-trajectory where healthy self-perception and social functioning is maintained. A way of achieving this goal is through preparing and supporting the key-figures in affected individuals lives.