title: Beyond the body image: a qualitative study on how adults experience lower limb amputation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore adults' experiences of lower limb amputation, focusing on the changes in self-identity related to the impairment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional and qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed by two independent researchers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A rehabilitation medicine service from a general public hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  A semi-structured interview, addressing three core areas: the emotional impact of amputation; the adjustment process; and the relation with the external resources.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 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.
authors: High Institute of Applied Psychology (ISPA), Psychology and Health Research Unit, Lisbon, Portugal. hugo_senra@hotmail.com
authors: Hugo
authors: H
authors: Senra
authors: Rui Aragão
authors: RA
authors: Oliveira
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Leal
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Vieira
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000674:Amputees / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011174:Portugal; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult