Psychosocial adjustment in twin pairs with and without hemifacial microsomia

Objective: To compare the psychosocial adjustment of children with and with out hemifacial microsomia (HFM), Design: This cross-sectional pilot study investigated psychosocial adjustme nt of twin pairs in which one twin was affected with HFM and the other was unimpaired. Data were analyzed using paired t tests, Setting: The dental medicine clinic of a large urban children's hospital, s erving a multistate area. Participants: Participants were six twin pairs aged 9 to 15 years and their parents, Data were also collected from classroom teachers. Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures included: the Child Behavior Checkl ist (CBCL), the Teacher Report Form (TRF), the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inve ntory (SEI), and a structured self-concept interview (the Self-Interview). Results: Children with HFM had significantly higher CBCL and TRF total beha vior problem scores and tower SEI general self-esteem scores than their uni mpaired twins, No differences were found in CBCL competence scores. Intervi ew data revealed concerns among the HFM group related to appearance, negati ve social responses, and fear of hospital procedures. Children also reporte d positive aspects of coping with HFM. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that, similar to other crani ofacial conditions, HFM is associated with an elevated risk for childhood p sychosocial difficulties. Replication of specific findings with a larger sa mple is needed, Multicenter, collaborative studies are a crucial next step for this field.