Coping, affective distress, and psychosocial adjustment among people with traumatic upper limb amputations

This study investigated the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in a sample of predominantly elderly males with acquired upper limb amputations (n=138) and examined the contribution of coping strategies to the prediction of psychosocial adjustment.

One hundred and thirty-eight men with injury-related upper limb amputations completed self-report questionnaires assessing coping strategies, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and psychosocial adaptation to prosthesis use.

Prevalence of significant depressive symptoms was 28.3% [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Depression subscale (HADS-D) score > or =8]. Prevalence of significant anxiety symptoms was 35.5% [HADS Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) score > or =8]. Coping styles emerged as important predictors of psychosocial adaptation. In particular, avoidance was strongly associated with psychological distress and poor adjustment.

These findings suggest the potential benefits of interventions to reduce reliance on avoidant coping and stimulate more problem-focused approaches to coping with difficulties and challenges in order to facilitate adaptation and prevent problems in psychosocial functioning postamputation.