Topić, Biljana.
(2019).
Psychosocial adjustment to lower limb amputation.
Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology.
[mentor Lauri Korajlija, Anita].
Abstract
The aim of this qualitative research was to gain a more detailed insight into psychosocial adaptation of the lower limb amputation of persons who use the prosthesis daily in the Croatian context. Specifically, our goal was to find out their experiences, identify factors that influence psychosocial adaptation, and determine whether posttraumatic growth occurs in people with lower limb amputation. A total of nine people from Zagreb and Zagreb County participated in the study, where amputation was the result of an accident or a diagnosis of malignant disease. Data obtained through a semi-structured interview suggest a successful psychosocial adaptation to amputation. The factors that contribute to this are high quality and developed social support system, a high functional and aesthetic satisfaction with the prosthesis, certain characteristics of personality and an active strategy of dealing with a traumatic event such as finding meaning, downward social comparison, acceptance, cognitive restructuring, optimism, hope, self-efficacy, focus on achieving goals, and using humor. Perceived or actual social stigma, unemployment, phantom pain, lack of information related to postoperative adaptation to life after amputation, and absence of psychoeduction and psychological interventions negatively affect the process of psychosocial adaptation to amputation. Posttraumatic growth is only reported by female participants and it's mostly related to the area of personal strength, value and opportunities, and giving greater importance to life.
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
Statistics
Statistics