Sharing psychosocial experiences within the online limb loss community: adjusting, embracing and consensus
Citation
(2016) Sharing psychosocial experiences within the online limb loss community: adjusting, embracing and consensus, no. 55.
Abstract
Purpose: The psychosocial consequences of limb loss are wide ranging and have been
studied both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study aims to explore the psychosocial
experiences of individuals who have lost a limb as discussed within an online support
forum environment.
Method: Two online discussion forums were selected from the Heather Mills amputee
forum website (2005; 2009), and were subject to interpretative phenomenological
analysis (IPA). The phenomenological aspect of IPA allows the exploration of personal
meanings in detail. Internet data was used due to the advantages this offers over other
qualitative methods of data collection such as face-to face interviews. The range of limb
loss aetiologies, number of participants and well-thought-out responses the online
environment attracts made this an appealing means of data collection.
Participants: Extracts included in the results section consist of the contribution of
twenty forum members of various limb loss types. Fourteen females, four males, and
two undisclosed participants are within this sample
Results: Findings shed light on the psychosocial initial and longer-term reactions of limb
loss. Three superordinate themes were identified: (1) Life after limb loss: Reactions and
prosthesis use, (2) Process of becoming adjusted and (3) Self Identity. Affective
reactions, prosthetic function, coping mechanisms, and reconstruction of identity
emerged as defining aspects of the limb loss experience. The most novel finding of this
research was the judgement and conflict observed within the support group
environment. This is unmapped in current literature and so further research and
understanding of conflict within the disabled community is required.