• Hugo Senra, OliveiraRui AragãoRA, Isabel Leal, and Cristina Vieira.
• High Institute of Applied Psychology (ISPA), Psychology and Health Research Unit, Lisbon, Portugal. hugo_senra@hotmail.com
• Clin Rehabil. 2012 Feb 1; 26 (2): 180-91.

ObjectiveTo explore adults' experiences of lower limb amputation, focusing on the changes in self-identity related to the impairment.DesignA cross-sectional and qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed by two independent researchers.SettingA rehabilitation medicine service from a general public hospital.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 42 patients with lower limb amputation performed after the age of 18 and followed up in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department of a general hospital.Main Outcome MeasuresA semi-structured interview, addressing three core areas: the emotional impact of amputation; the adjustment process; and the relation with the external resources.ResultsEight themes emerged from interviews: reactions and feelings about becoming amputee; changes in own life; problems in well-being; relation with the prosthesis; self-perceptions; aims related to the rehabilitation and future plans; relation with the rehabilitation; and perceived social support. These results supported a theoretical model for the self-identity changes related to limb loss.ConclusionsThe self-identity changes after a lower limb amputation appear beyond the patient's body image and functioning, affecting the patient's awareness of the impairment, biographical self and any future projections.

29 keywords...

hide…