Qualitative Research On Social Adaptation Of Earthquake Lower Limb Amputees

This study is aimed to explore the content,the process and the influencing factors of social adaptation of lower limb amputees caused by earthquake.This study is based on ICF Theory and Emotional Adaptation Theory of Amputees and uses qualitative method.Five amputees caused by the earthquake are chosen and their interview recordings are transcribed and encoded.After the analysis,the findings are as followed:(1)The psychological adaptation process of earthquake lower limb amputees includes the adaptation latency period,experiencing the impact of amputation,unable to accept the fact of amputation,starting to accept amputation,encountering difficulties,frustration and anger,adjusting to amputation,realizing growth and returning to help disabled partners.These stages alternated and they achieved the adaptation of the amputation eventually.The level of body adaptation,activity and participation gradually change from poor adaptation to good adaptation,and the whole process is in a linear phase.(2)Social adaptation of earthquake lower limb amputees includes self-adaptation(psychological adaptation,future adaptation),physical adaptation(physical health status,prosthetic adaptation),activity and participation(environmental adaptation,interpersonal adaptation,learning adaptation,and occupational adaptation).(3)The influencing factors of social adaptation of earthquake lower limb amputees include:personal factors(personality,Physical factors,learning factors and others)and environmental factors(social support,social environment,supplies and technologies).The results of this study supplement the theory of social adaptation of amputees and provide evidence for the psychological practice to promote social adaptation of amputees due to the earthquake.