The Social Meanings of Prosthesis Use

Abstract

The present research explores the social meanings surrounding the use of artificial limbs. Semi-structured email and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 35 prosthesis users, along with analysis of the posts made on an email discussion group for prosthesis users. This data was subject to an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. It is concluded that prosthesis use plays a social role in the lives of persons with limb loss/absence. The ability to conceal such use enabled participants to ward off social stigmatisation that in turn enabled their social integration and the reduction of emotional problems surrounding such disability.