Desmond, Deirdre (2007) Coping, affective distress and psychosocial adjustment among people with traumatic upper limb amputations. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 62 (1). pp. 15-21. ISSN 0022-3999

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Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in a sample of predominantly elderly males with acquired upper limb amputations (n = 138) and examined the contribution of coping strategies to the prediction of psychosocial adjustment. Method: One-hundred and thirty-eight men with injury-related upper limb amputations completed self-report questionnaires assessing coping strategies, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and psychosocial adaptation to prosthesis use. Results: Prevalence of significant depressive symptoms was 28.3% (HADS-D score ≥8). Prevalence of significant anxiety symptoms was 35.5% (HADS-A score ≥8). Coping styles emerged as important predictors of psychosocial adaptation. In particular, avoidance was strongly associated with psychological distress and poor adjustment. Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential benefits of interventions to reduce reliance on avoidant coping and stimulate more problem-focused approaches to coping with difficulties and challenges in order to facilitate adaptation and prevent problems in psychosocial functioning post-amputation.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Preprint version of article. The definitive version of this article is available at Journal of Psychosomatic Research (ISSN: 0022-3999), 2007, Vol.62 No.1, pp.15-21. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.07.027
Keywords:	Amputation; Coping; Psychosocial Adjustment; Upper limb;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
Item ID:	3811
Depositing User:	Dr. Deirdre Desmond
Date Deposited:	08 Aug 2012 14:02
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Publisher:	Elsevier
Refereed:	No
URI:	http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal...
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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