| Popis: |
The hands and arms have salient cultural meaning as they are essential for interacting with and manipulating the physical world, communicating with others, and establishing and maintaining intimate physical contact with others. Like the face, the hands and arms are difficult to conceal. Disruptions in the appearance of hands and arms have the potential to affect psychological well-being, yet there is limited research on the psychological functioning of individuals living with visible characteristics associated with congenital anomalies of the upper extremities (CAUE). We live in a culture that emphasizes physical perfection, and individuals who possess visible attributes that are devalued occupy a special role in the culture, and this role places them at a distinct social advantage. The narrowly defined cultural appearance standard dictates who is accepted and who gets cast aside. This chapter reviews the limitations in the current literature on psychological outcomes for individuals living with visible distinctions associated with CAUE and offers some suggestions for future research. |
