Motivation in hand-injured patients with and without work-related injury

The purpose of this study was to examine similarities and/or differences in the motivational constructs of hope and optimism for the future, attitude toward disability, goal setting, and perceived social support at work between hand-injured participants with and without work-related injury. A purposive sample of eight participants was interviewed to gather a qualitative "insider's perspective." Interviews were conducted at three time points to identify any evolution of participants' motivational constructs over time. Motivational constructs between the two groups were found to be similar. Being optimistic, having a positive attitude toward the disability, setting goals in therapy, having supportive employers and colleagues at work, and having the desire to overcome dependency on others were found to promote participants' motivation for recovery. Findings contributed to the existing knowledge of patients' motivation in rehabilitation. Therapists could use these findings as facilitation strategies to promote patients' motivation for recovery in hand rehabilitation.