Characteristics of Nonverbal Behavior in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate during Interpersonal Communication

Abstract

Objective This study examined characteristics of nonverbal behavior that patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) presented during interpersonal communication. Design This was a case-control design comparing nonverbal behavior of adult women with CLP with females without CLP. Participants Subjects were 20 adult women with CLP and 20 noncleft control women matched for age and educational experience. Main Outcome Measures Subject gestures and facial expressions were videotaped during interviews and analyzed with a computer-based kinematic measurement system. Results The clinical group displayed significantly fewer head movements and a lower smile frequency than the control group. Furthermore, head and hand movements and smiles were less coordinated or congruent for the subjects with CLP than for the comparison group. Conclusions Even slight facial disfigurement could have a harmful effect on communication behavior in female patients with CLP.