Positive meaning in amputation and thoughts about the amputated limb

The majority of research conducted on the aftermath of amputation understan dably concerns itself with its most distressing aspects. This research aime d to explore whether and how people think about their amputated limb, and w hether and if they considered anything good had emerged from their amputati on. One hundred and four (104) people completed the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES) and two open-ended questions. The majo rity of participants were young and had traumatic amputations. Fifty-six pe rcent (56%) of people thought about their amputated limb. People with bilat eral or a trans-femoral amputation were more likely to think about their am putated limb than people with a trans-tibial amputation. Forty-eight percen t (48%) considered that something good had happened as a result of the ampu tation. Furthermore, finding positive meaning was significantly associated with more favourable physical capabilities and health ratings, lower levels of Athletic Activity Restriction and higher levels of Adjustment to Limita tion. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.