School peer victimization of young people with craniofacial conditions: A comparative study

Abstract

Young people with and without craniofacial conditions were compared on perceived incidence and frequency of school-based peer victimization and resultant distress; the relationship of craniofacial disfigurement severity to victimization incidence and frequency was also assessed. A deliberately biased sample—over-representing greater disfigurement—of 85 young people (9 to 16 years of age), continuing or having completed treatment for a craniofacial condition, were rated on current disfigurement severity, and responded to an extended version of the Direct and Indirect Aggression Scale (DIAS) presented as a structured telephone interview. Fifty-five matched school peers without craniofacial conditions responded to the same interview. Greater craniofacial disfigurement was associated with greater likelihood and frequency of being targeted with certain aggressive behaviours identified from the craniofacial literature. However, no more young people with, than without, craniofacial conditions experienced frequent victimization, considerable emotional distress or references to their appearance. This study provides a social comparison for victimized young people with craniofacial conditions. Knowing that those without disfigurement are also victimized may help ease their disfigurement-related cognitions. This study highlights the limitations of surgical correction for disfigurement, and promotes a more realistic view for victimization experiences and intervention options.

Keywords:

• Craniofacial
• Direct and Indirect Aggression Scale (DIAS)
• emotional distress
• facial disfigurement
• victimization

Acknowledgements

We gratefully thank all who assisted with this research: the staff and patients of the Australian Craniofacial Unit, the many school Principals and students throughout South Australia, Rachel Roberts (Senior Clinical Psychologist for the Australian Craniofacial Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital of South Australia), Tracey Wade (Associate Professor, Flinders University of South Australia) and Kylie Lange (Statistics Consultant, Flinders University of South Australia).