The psychological and social impact of disfigurement to the hand in children and adolescents

Abstract

Hand disfigurement creates potential problems for the developing child. Parental adjustment to the hand is of prime importance in the child's ability to accept and integrate the disfigurement. Self-consciousness follows a developmental path because of internal and external factors in the child’s development. This paper presents a research study carried out in order to examine the decision-making process in toe-to-hand transfers. 34 families were assessed of whom 27 decided to proceed with surgery following the decision-making process. Factors which influenced that decision included the way the surgeon communicated information. Those who decided against surgery tended to have more positive beliefs about the role of the disfigured hand in the child's psychological development. The process of decision-making allowed families and the older children to engage in a therapeutic approach.