Behavioral and Psychosocial Profile of Children with Orofacial Clefts: A Scoping Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.43.120.AO09

Abstract

Craniofacial clefts rank among the most common congenital anomalies, including cleft lip (CL), cleft palate (CP), and cleft lip and palate (CLP). These malformations impose significant sociocognitive vulnerability, hindering psychosocial adjustment throughout development. The objective of this study is to investigate behavioral alterations and psychosocial aspects in children with orofacial clefts through a scoping review, in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR protocol and the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The research was conducted in the PubMed/Medline databases, utilizing the descriptors: (Cleft Lip) (Behavioral Symptoms) and the Boolean operator “AND.” A total of 173 publications were identified, of which 10 studies met the eligibility criteria established by the research question formulated using the PCC acronym (population, concept/phenomenon of interest, context). The findings indicate that children with CLP show a heightened predisposition to psychiatric alterations, including hyperactivity, emotional difficulties, and relationship problems, as well as reduced prosocial behaviors and aggressive behaviors. Cognitive-linguistic performance is impacted by alterations in speech and language development, complicating communication and socialization. Furthermore, parental stress upon receiving a cleft diagnosis may compromise children's psychosocial adaptation. Therefore, comprehensive interventions are necessary to address social and psychiatric challenges, as well as cognitive difficulties. It is imperative to conduct thorough assessments to avoid misdiagnoses and ensure adequate support for each child's needs. However, there is an urgent need for more observational research in this area, as existing studies present limitations in terms of evidence.

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Author Biographies

Joana Darc Oliveira Mendonça, Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde

Psychology student at the Pernambuco Health College (FPS), participant of the Aging WG and Hospital Neuropsychology WG of the Young Committee of the Brazilian Society of Neuropsychology (management 24-26), led by the vice president of SBNp Laiss Bertola and Nicolle Zimmermann, respectively. Has active Scientific Initiation at the Institute of Integral Medicine Prof. Fernando Figueira IMIP.

Isabella Pinto Ribeiro Cruz Barbosa, Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde

Clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. Undergraduate tutor at the Pernambuco Health College. Specialist in Neuroscience and Behavior. Master's degree in Health Psychology from FPS. Hospital psychologist, preceptor and supervisor at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP).

Leopoldo Nelson Fernandes Barbosa, Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde

Psychologist. Tutor of undergraduate and graduate courses at the Pernambuco School of Health. Coordinator of the Professional Master's Degree in Health Psychology at FPS. Collaborator of the graduate program at the Institute of Integral Medicine Prof. Fernando Figueira and supervisor of the mental health center. PhD in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences from the Federal University of Pernambuco. Post-doctorate in Health Sciences from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Therapist certified by the Brazilian Federation of Cognitive Therapies (FBTC).

Paulo César dos Santos Gomes , Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde

Postgraduate in Psychology from the Pernambucan Health Faculty (2015-2018). Specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (FAFIRE). Postgraduate in Neuropsychology from FAVENI. Doutorando em Saúde Integral by the Institute of Integral Medicine Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) (2022-). Professional Master in Health Psychology from the Pernambucan Health Faculty. Currently, there is the Centro Especializado em Reabilitação (CER-IV) of the Institute of Integral Medicine Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), a teacher at the Pernambucan Health Faculdade (FPS) and in a private consultancy.

Letícia Lira Travassos, Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde

Undergraduate student of Psychology at the Pernambuco School of Health (FPS), currently in the eighth period (8/8). Intern in Hospital and Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Integral Medicine Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), working at the Specialized Center for Rehabilitation (CER IV) and in the Nephrology sector, as well as at the Mental Health Outpatient Clinic. Current President of the Academic League of the Association of Cognitive Therapies of Pernambuco (LATC-PE). She is a member of the Association of Cognitive Therapies of Pernambuco (ATC-PE) and the Brazilian Federation of Cognitive Therapies (FBTC). Her academic and professional interests lie in the areas of Neuroscience, Psychological Assessment, Hospital Psychology, Investigative Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).

Published

2025-02-24

How to Cite

Darc Oliveira Mendonça, J., Pinto Ribeiro Cruz Barbosa, I., Nelson Fernandes Barbosa, L., César dos Santos Gomes , P., & Lira Travassos, L. (2025). Behavioral and Psychosocial Profile of Children with Orofacial Clefts: A Scoping Review. Psicologia Argumento, 43(120). https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.43.120.AO09