Article

Objective: To explore the life goal characteristics and goal adjustment
capacities of persons with lower limb amputation on admission to rehabilitation,
and to examine their efficacy as predictors of psychosocial outcomes six months
post discharge. Design: Prospective, descriptive. Setting: Two specialist
inpatient rehabilitation facilities in Ireland. Subjects: A consecutive sample of
64 patients with lower limb amputation. Main measures: On admission to
rehabilitation, life goal characteristics (goal importance, goal disturbance)
were assessed using the Goal Facilitation Index and goal adjustment capacities
(goal disengagement, goal re-engagement) were measured using the Goal Adjustment
Scale. The Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis
Experience Scales-Revised assessed depressive symptomatology and psychosocial
adjustment to amputation at six months post discharge. Results: The highest
average importance ratings were assigned to goals associated with interpersonal
relationships, independence and subjective well-being. Goals related to physical
limitations and disruptions in daily activities received the highest hindrance
ratings. Goal importance (beta = -0.33) and goal disengagement (beta = -0.29) on
admission significantly predicted depressive symptomatology six months post
discharge (P </= 0.05). Goal importance (beta = 0.32), goal disturbance (beta =
-0.26), and goal re-engagement (beta = -0.21) on admission significantly
predicted general adjustment to lower limb amputation at six months post
discharge (P </= 0.05), while goal importance (beta = -0.32) and goal disturbance
(beta = 0.30) significantly predicted social adjustment (P </= 0.05).
Conclusions: Life goal characteristics and goal adjustment capacities on
admission to rehabilitation predicted psychosocial outcomes six months post
discharge among individuals with lower limb amputation.

Langue : ANGLAIS