Dunne, Simon and Coffey, Laura and Gallagher, Pamela and Desmond, Deirdre (2014) “If I can do it I will do it, if I can't, I can't”: A qualitative study of adaptive self-regulatory strategies following lower limb amputation. Disability and Rehabilitation, 36 (23). pp. 1990-1997. ISSN 0963-8288

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Abstract

To explore the goal-related strategies employed by people following lower limb amputation using a framework based on the dual-process model of adaptive self-regulation. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 individuals with a lower limb amputation. Results: Theoretical thematic analysis identified four broad assimilative/goal pursuit strategies; internal resource use, planning, technology use and help use. The most common strategies were maintaining a specific leisure activity (n =20), seeking instrumental help (n = 15), and determination (n = 15). Three broad categories of accommodative/goal adjustment strategies were also identified; interpersonal accommodation, managing limitations and meaning-making. The most common were accepting limitations (n = 18), emotional support from friends and family (n = 17) and adjusting goals to constraints (n = 16). There was also evidence of strategies that combined the use of accommodative and assimilative strategies, and the use of avoidant strategies. Conclusions: The findings point towards key assimilative/goal pursuit and accommodative/goal adjustment strategies that may be adaptive following lower limb amputation. The study highlights the potential usefulness of the dual-process model in understanding how individuals adapt to functional disability, while bringing to light issues warranting further explication within this framework.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the preprint version of the published article, which is available at DOI:10.3109/09638288.2014.885993
Keywords:	Amputation; lower limb; self-regulation; goals; adaptation;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
Item ID:	6815
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2014.885993
Depositing User:	Dr. Deirdre Desmond
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2016 10:27
Journal or Publication Title:	Disability and Rehabilitation
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://www.tandfonline.com/
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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