Psychological Distress and Amputees: Review of Predictors and Impacts on Clinical Practice

Eyisi I. Meek

Abstract: This study was a meta-analytic approach that investigated the roles of learned helplessness and social support in predicting psychological distress among amputees. Using online search engines and hardcopies of theses, forty-five (45) empirical studies which ranged from 2011-2018 were reviewed. The research title, methodology of each study and major findings were presented on a tabular form. Most of the reviewed studies indicated that learned helplessness, social support and socio-demographic information significantly contributed to psychological distress among amputees. However, in a very few studies it was reportedly observed that learned helplessness and social support do not have any significant effects on the psychological distress of amputees. Consequently, the discussion of findings, implications for clinical practice, recommendations and limitations were presented by the researcher. Word Count: 119 Key Words: Learned Helplessness, Social Support and Psychological Distress.

Keywords: Learned helplessness, social support, and psychological distress