Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Denise Horton

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that vascular disease, trauma, and cancer lead to amputations and that 1.7 million Americans are living with an amputation. The social problem of this study is that amputees have limited places to obtain social support. Alderfer's Existence, Relatedness, and Growth Theory provided the foundation for this research. The current study examined the following questions. First, does type of social support impact amputee perceived social support satisfaction? Second, does type of social support impact life satisfaction? Survey methodology was used following attendance at either peer-to-peer or group support. A purposeful sample of 184 participants were assessed using the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. ANOVA first showed that peer participants reported significantly greater perceived social support satisfaction than group. Second, ANOVA showed that participants in peer support groups reported greater life satisfaction than group. These data assist anyone concerned with helping amputees make support decisions based on the amputees' specific needs. From these findings, future research utilizing other forms of social support for amputees can be generated and expanded.

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