Acquired Limb Amputation An Interrelationship of Familial-Social Support Self-Esteem and Psychological Adjustment
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
College of Home Economics, University Of Peshawar.
Abstract
The present study was designed to examine the nature and severity of
psychological pain and distress associated with limb loss and explore its
psychosocial consequences. The primary aim of the study was to determine the
predictive relationship between familial social support, self-esteem and
psychological adjustment of amputees. The study further attempted to
evaluate the role of various psychosocial and demographic factors in the
process of successful adjustment to amputation. In order to answer the
formulated research questions and test the study hypotheses Familial-Social
Support Scale for Patients (Nousheen and Kamal 2001), Self-Esteem Scale
(Rifai and Tarig, 1999) and Psychological Adjustment Scale (Sabir, 1999)
were used. The data was gathered from the surgical and orthopedic wards of
different government and private hospitals of district Peshawar, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa. The findings of linear regression analyses revealed significant
prediction of successful psychological adjustment dueto positive self-esteem
and adequate familial social support. Result confirmed that support tends to
increase an amputee’s ability to perceive positively the reality of this tragic
incidence and also help them to cope with the stress and anxiety produced by
limb loss. Moreover, familial-social support increases an amputee’s level of
self-acceptance, self-competence and self-esteem which in turns helps them to
adjust successfully to the terrible incidence of amputation. Analyses of
variance and t-test analysis demonstrated significant differences in an
amputee’s level of self-esteem and psychological adjustment on the bases of
gender, age, educationalstatus, cause, time since amputation and ability to do
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normal routine tasks. The present study affirmed that one of the greatest
difficulties for an individual experiencinglimb loss is not only to triumph over
the physical pain of amputation surgery but also to overcome the
psychological and social stigma associated with loss of limb. Amputees need
assurances and support from family and community in order to overcometheir
post amputation fears and doubts. It emphasizes that psychological
intervention is very essential for the amputees to bring them out of their shell
and make them adjust in society by letting go off their amputation trauma
feelings. The current research suggested that an enrich and stimulating
environment should be provided to these people in order to help them to adjust
to their disability in a positive growth promoting way and become productive
and contributing members ofthe society.