In search of the 'real' me : psychological aspects of orthognathic surgery

• Main Author: James, M. A.
• Published: Swansea University 2005
• Subjects: 155
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.637393

A number of studies have shown psychological improvements following orthognathic surgery including body image, self-confidence, mood and sociability (Cunningham et al, 1995). The increased demand for treatment however has not been paralleled with research exploring the <i>dynamic</i> nature of body image, which has largely been ignored. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies sought to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of body image. Patients were recruited from the Oral and Maxillofacial Unit in Swansea. Pre- and post-operative patients, clinical (wisdom teeth removal) and non-patient controls completed measures of body image; body dysmorphic disorder; self-consciousness; self-esteem; and social support. Results showed significant improvements in body image distress and self-consciousness, particularly in relation to other people. More normative concerns of weight and body shape became salient to individuals’ body image. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of five women undergoing orthognathic surgery was employed in Study 2. Emergent themes from interviews at 1-4 weeks before surgery, and at three, six, nine and twelve months post-surgery, revealed that living with a dentofacial deformity led to social, affective, behavioural and cognitive restrictions. Post-surgery, individuals experienced a sense of release from these restrictions as body image, self-confidence, affect and sociability improved. Positive feedback from other played a pivotal role in improving body image, self-perceptions and a more normative body image was emerging. In a repeated-measures design, participants in Study 3 completed measures of beliefs about appearance; body image dissatisfaction; fear of negative evaluation; anxiety, depression; and self-esteem, at pre-surgical, and at three and six month post-surgical periods. Self-esteem, anxiety, fear of negative evaluation and body image significantly improved following surgery.