| A quantitative descriptive research design was used to examine the relationships between existential spirituality and religious spirituality and the dependent variables of global, physical, and social quality of life among individuals with limb amputation. The purpose of the research was to describe the role of spirituality in a sample of individuals with limb amputations to determine if spirituality may relate to quality of life in this population. The population studied included a convenience sample of 108 individuals with extremity amputation(s). Study participants were recruited through prosthetists, physicians, amputee support groups, the Amputee Coalition of America, and amputee listserv discussion groups. Participants completed questionnaires containing measures of satisfaction with life, general health, mobility, and social integration. Five standard multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses. Examination of the role of spirituality on quality of life among individuals with limb amputation provides evidence-based information for healthcare leaders, workers, and clinicians on the role of spirituality on quality of life. The conclusions extrapolated from the research suggest that following amputation satisfaction with life, general health, and social integration scores were highest among individuals who engage in existential spirituality and less high among individuals who engage in religious spirituality. |
