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Being "just normal": a grounded theory of prosthesis use
Philip Jefferies1,2, Pamela Gallagher1,2, Mark Philbin1
1a School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health , Dublin City University , Dublin , Ireland.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|April 12, 2017
Summary
Prosthesis users strive to be "just normal," managing threats and difficulties to live as they feel they ought to. This core concern guides their actions and motivations in using assistive devices.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation science
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Disability studies
Background:
- Existing research highlights prosthesis benefits and challenges.
- Limited understanding of diverse user experiences and underlying motivations.
- Need for a framework to explain differing user experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore a core concern shared by prosthesis users.
- To provide an account of how this concern is managed.
- To understand motivations driving prosthesis use behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Grounded Theory methodology.
- Data collection via interviews (24 participants).
- Analysis of weblogs, autobiographical texts, and online forum posts.
Main Results:
- Identified the core concern as being "just normal."
- Users manage this through "preserving" (threat management), "redressing" (rectification), and "persevering" (coping with difficulties).
- These actions reflect perceptions of what is sufficient, fair, and appropriate.
Conclusions:
- The "just normal" theory offers rehabilitation practitioners a new lens to understand prosthesis users' core concerns and motivations.
- This framework enhances understanding of user needs and desires.
- The theory is applicable to broader assistive technology and disability fields.