Sample from The Psychology of Facial Disfigurement; a Guide
Target readership: Health and Social Care Professionals, Academics
|
...Clearly some individuals appear to cope successfully with the effects of their disfigurement while others do not. Researchers have analysed the reasons for this. It has been found that the ability to deal with disfigurement well is not predicted by the extent, type, location or cause of the disfigurement (Lansdown et al, 1997). People with disfigurements use a wide range of coping strategies to function in difficult situations. Avoidant strategies include certain behaviour such as avoiding social events, escape avoidance (alcohol, drugs etc.), or distraction techniques (for example, ignoring the problem and immersing oneself in another activity). There are cognitive avoidance strategies such as denial and distancing - "Well, I try not to let it get me down." cognitive strategies that are not avoidant in nature include "self-talk" ("I know I'm different, but I can sell cars much better than anyone else here"), and even social comparison ("I'm lucky - I could have had worse injuries in that accident"). Behavioural strategies that are proactive include using communication skills such as conversation initiation or disclosure. The research reported by Lansdown et al suggests that it is not the actual strategies that people use, but the repertoire of straegies that appears to be significant. Most important, it seems, is the ability and flexibility to use different strategies in different situations (Robinson, 1997, as cited in Lansdown et al, 1997). Factors that make it easier for people to accept and overcome disfigurement include the following: (i) Positive beliefs about future prospects, that include the presence of disfigurement. (ii) Good level of social skill and the ability to manage the reactions of others to the disfigurement. (iii) Good quality social support received from parents, families and friends. (iv) Positive beliefs of families and significant others in society about the future. Thos who may not cope well include those who lack adequate social support networks, and harbour negative self-beliefs and use negative strategies for dealing with problems...
|