Meanings attributed to Hope by children with orofacial clefts through dramatic therapeutic play.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the meanings attributed by children with orofacial clefts to the factors that promote and threaten Hope, through Dramatic Therapeutic Play.

METHOD: A qualitative study, grounded in the theoretical-methodological framework of the Hope-Promoting Mutual Help Intervention Model and the theoretical framework of Symbolic Interactionism. It was conducted between March and April 2025 through Dramatic Therapeutic Play with children aged five to nine years old with orofacial clefts, who were receiving care at a support association in Paraná, Brazil. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. All ethical principles were respected.

RESULTS

Sixteen children participated. Among the aspects that promote Hope, the following stand out: treatment experiences, multiprofessional care, family and social support, spirituality, acceptance of one's own condition, and playful strategies. Aspects that threaten Hope were related to dissatisfaction with appearance, negative treatment experiences, lack of emotional support, bullying, and social exclusion.

CONCLUSION

The experience of a child with an orofacial cleft is marked by meanings attributed to their own self-image, the treatment, and the social support received. Care actions and family and social interactions can strengthen or threaten Hope during treatment.