The Interpretation of Co-working Artwork with Parents of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
Samretdee H, BS1, Rod-ong D, MSN2, Maneeganondh S, MSN2, Jaruensook W, BSW3, Patjanasoontorn N, MD1
Affiliation : 1 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, KhonKaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. 2 Division of Nursing, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. 3 Department of Social worker, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate (CLP) children are clearly distinguishable from other children due to obvious oral or facial
defects. CLP children tend to be dissatisfied with their appearance, have low levels of self-esteem, and hold distorted perceptions
about their own face when compared to groups who have undergone less visible surgeries. Family art therapy should be introduced
to this group of children to have them gain self-reliance and positive perceptions about themselves.
Objective : To interpret the meaning of pieces of artwork created by CLP and craniofacial deformed children via collaboration with
their families in the form of family art therapy.
Materials and Methods : A qualitative method was used to interpret the meaning of pieces of artwork created freely by CLP and
craniofacial deformed children. Parents were allowed to assist the children doing the drawing. The children were from five families
and participated in drawing pictures on A2 pieces of paper with chalk colors. Family Art Therapy involved parent-child collaboration
in the creation of artwork prior to interpreting its meaning via a clinical psychology process.
Results : The CLP children and their families were able to freely create their artwork through family art therapy. There was suitable
development among the CLP children exposed to this type of treatment, and the children realized that an imperfect physical appearance
does not need to be a barrier to living a normal life.
Conclusion : Positive self-acceptance was associated with less visible surgical scars among the CLP patients.
Keywords : Interpretation, Artwork, Cleft lip-palate, Family art therapy
