Correlates of Emotional Pain and Coping Strategies among Amputees and Their Caregivers

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the correlates of emotional pain and coping strategies among amputees and their caregivers following loss in order to get a better understanding of the concept in the Ghanaian context. A sequential mixed-method design incorporating interviews and administration of standardized measures was used to gather data. For the qualitative phase, 20 participants were purposively sampled from the group of amputees and their caregivers and interviewed using an interview guide. For the quantitative phase, standardized set of questionnaires measuring one’s psychological distress, emotional pain, personality and social support was administered to 150 participants who were conveniently sampled from the target population of amputees and their caregivers. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that caregivers and amputees experienced a built up of negative emotions following loss. Quantitative data was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (Correlation r), Independent sample t test, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Hierarchical Multiple Regression statistical tests and findings revealed that these built up of negative emotions correlated with emotional pain and that there was significant differences in the experience of emotional pain and the coping strategies adopted by amputees and their caregivers. The benefits of the study include information for intervention formulation and guidance to clinicians for therapy.