Impact of Expressed Emotion on Suicidal Attitude among the Individuals with Limb Amputation: Mediating Role of Self-perceived Burden

Abstract

The present study explored the association between high expressed emotion, selfperceived burden, and suicidal attitude among individuals with lower limb amputation and mediating role of self-perceived burden. For this purpose, sample of 270 males and females with limb amputation were taken from different hospitals and rehab centers of Punjab through a purposive sampling technique. Three assessment tools were used to assess expressed emotion (concise Chinese level of expressed emotion), self-perceived burden (self-perceived burden scale), and suicidal attitude (Yatt Suicidal Attitude Scale). The results indicated that a significant relationship was present among variables of expressed emotion, self-perceived burden, and suicidal attitude. Regression analysis showed that expressed emotion was significant predictor of suicidal attitude. Results also revealed that self-perceived burden mediates the association between expressed emotion and suicidal attitude. Demographic variables also played a significant role in predicting suicidal attitudes among individuals with amputation. Results also show that older adults with amputation have a high self-perceived burden and suicidal attitude. The findings of the present study highlight the high incidence of suicidal attitude in individuals with lower limb amputation and it also showed that sociodemographic factors play a vital role in psychological adjustment to lower limb amputation. It is suggested that psychological evaluation and suitable rehabilitation must be a part of their overall management plan. Hence, the present study will help the clinicians working with individuals having lower limb amputation to provide a better therapeutic plan to reduce the risk of suicidal attitude.