Title:
Promoting amputee life skills: outcomes of an online interactive program for improving quality of life following limb loss
Author:
Candice Golembo
Thesis Advisor:
Matthew W. Kirkhart
Committee Member:
Marianna E. Carlucci
Committee Member:
Jeffrey M. Lating
Committee Member:
Frank D. Golom
Committee Member:
Jen L. Lowry
Degree Granting Institution:
Loyola University Maryland--College of Arts and Sciences
Place:
Baltimore (Md.)
Publisher:
Loyola University Maryland
Date Created:
2023
Type of Resource:
text
Genre:
thesis
Language:
eng
Format:
application/pdf
Physical Form:
electronic
Digital Source:
born digital
Abstract:
Limb loss is one of the major causes of permanent disability, often bringing with it unprecedented changes to one’s psychological, physical, and psychosocial functioning. With an estimated 1.6 million individuals already living with limb loss in the United States in 2005, upward trends are expected, with incidence of dysvascular amputations projected to increase by 27%. While there not only appears to be a dearth of mental health outcomes-based research on the treatment of individuals with limb loss, this unique population may also face difficulties when accessing vital care, including possible limitations in mobility and healthcare coverage. The purpose of this study was to empirically examine the effectiveness of the Promoting Amputee Life Skills (PALS) Online Program, an internet-based self-management program developed to target common physical and psychosocial challenges associated with limb loss. Using a pretest-posttest single group cross-sectional quantitative design, outcomes on depression, anxiety, positive affect, self-efficacy, patient activation, physical and social functioning, pain, quality of life, and adjustment to limb loss were examined. Results indicated that program completion was associated with statistically significant posttest improvements on several outcomes, including depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, patient activation, physical functioning, satisfaction with social roles and activities, and overall satisfaction with life. Conversely, program completion was also associated with statistically significant poorer outcomes on measures of positive affect and ability to participate in social roles and activities. Of note, no statistically significant changes were observed on measures of pain severity, pain interference, and adjustment to limb loss and prosthesis. Clinical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Subject:
Academic theses
Subject:
Electronic dissertations
Subject:
Thèses et écrits académiques
Subject:
Thèses électroniques
Subject:
dissertations
Degree:
Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Level:
Doctoral
Discipline:
Psychology
Restrictions on Access:
Author has given permission to make this work available online.
Use and Reproduction:
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Identifier:
GolemboC-23
