Abstract:
Amputation is not just a physical deprivation but also a serious psychological loss, which impacts body image, adaptation, and causes psychological distress. The current research investigated the interrelation between body image, psychological adaptation, and psychological distress in Pakistani amputated patients. A purposive sample of 102 amputees was used to conduct a quantitative cross-sectional study. Standardized measures used were the Amputee Body Image Scale-Revised (ABIS-R), the Psychological Adaptation Scale (PAS) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10). Pearson correlation and mediation analysis has been used to study data. Findings indicated that psychological adaptation was strongly and negatively correlated to body image. A positive correlation was identified between body image and psychological distress. The negative association between psychological adaptation and distress indicated the buffering effect of psychological adaptation in mental health. However, mediation analysis revealed that body image and distress are not mediated by adaptation as the direct effect of body image was significant. Finally, body image dissatisfaction has a direct positive relationship with psychological distress, whereas psychological adaptation has an independent negative relationship with psychological distress. The results support the need of dual-focused rehabilitation interventions to address body image problems whilst simultaneously improving coping and adaptation. These involve provision of psychological services in the post-operative phase as well as early psychological consultation in wards so that patients can manage loss and trauma.
