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    Coping, affective distress and psychosocial adjustment among people with traumatic upper limb amputations


    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:
    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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