Dysmorfie twarzy w zwierciadle społecznych ustosunkowań
Facial Dysmorphia as Reflected in Social Dispositions

Summary/Abstract: The article is an attempt at showing the imperfections that are presented by non-disabled persons in their relations with disabled persons with some degree of alteration in their facial appearance. The interpersonal dimension takes on significant meaning when looking at an altered face, since the face is the central focus of others’ attention. Among at least three disciplines of science – medicine, psychology and phenomenology – only the former two explore the area of a person’s dysmorphia in a highly systematic manner. Although each of these fields proves to be a source of valuable knowledge, excessive attachment to one may result in a loss of one’s real and complete contact with a disabled person and their loved ones. The optimal integration of these three domains is a desire shared by many scientists and practitioners, one that has not been achieved either in rehabilitation or in the quiet of the scientist’s office. Loved ones and professionals strive to take a position towards disabled persons, oscillating between perception of their state as a secret or as a problem. Finding a point of equilibrium would be of enormous value, if only to further an appropriate climate for the course of rehabilitation practice. The proposals in this article contain intentions of seeking such a point of equilibrium, where subjective equality in the reality experienced by disabled and non-disabled persons would be possible.

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