Sex differences in perceived stigmatization, body image disturbance, and satisfaction with facial appearance and speech among adolescents with craniofacial conditions

Youth with craniofacial conditions often have appearance and speech differences and are vulnerable to social stigmatization and body image disturbances. Given sociocultural pressures for female attractiveness, adolescent girls with craniofacial conditions may be especially vulnerable to body dissatisfaction and appearance-related social stigmatization, though such sex differences have been infrequently studied in this population. This study aimed to: (1) examine sex differences in body image disturbance, satisfaction with speech and facial appearance, and perceived stigmatization among adolescents with craniofacial conditions; and (2) evaluate whether stigmatization perceptions are predictive of body image disturbance and satisfaction with facial appearance and speech. Using a cross-sectional design, 110 adolescents from two craniofacial centers completed measures of body image disturbance, satisfaction with speech and facial appearance, and perceived stigmatization. Females reported significantly greater levels of body image disturbance and lower satisfaction with facial appearance compared to males. There were no significant sex differences for satisfaction with speech or perceived stigmatization. Perceived stigmatization was a significant predictor of body image disturbance, and satisfaction with facial appearance and speech while controlling for sex, body mass index, and age. Interventions to prevent and/or address body image and stigmatization concerns are clinically indicated for both sexes.