Patients with jaw deformities frequently have psychological and social problems. There have been many reports on psychological status and satisfaction following orthognathic surgery as determined by quantitative methods. However, only limited information can be obtained by using a quantitative method because the patient’s psychological problems are complex. On the other hand, qualitative studies are suitable for clarifying the hypothetical construction of the phenomenon and patients’ experiences and processes. The purpose of this study was to examine the process by which patient’s psychological and social problems change from pre-treatment to post-treatment. The subjects were 6 female patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery 18 months ago. We conducted semi-structured interviews and performed analysis by a grounded theory approach. The patient’s anxiety started from the period of adolescence and was affected by the patient’s friends. Information on orthognathic surgery gave the patients hope and reduced their anxiety. The processes of psychological and social changes during and after treatment were affected by friends, family, and patients with the same disease. Patients had feelings of accomplishment, happiness, and confidence because they overcame various hardships, and they acquired active attitudes in social life.
