Exploring Flourishing and Holistic Well-Being in Individuals With Lower-Limb Amputation

Date of Submission

5-6-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Community Psychology

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Lillianne R. Macias, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Benjamin Doolittle, M.D.

Keywords

Individual with Lower Limb Amputations, Well-Being, VanderWeele Flourishing Scale, Peer-Support Groups, Mindset, Interventions

LCSH

Leg—Amputation, Well-being, Psychological tests, Attitude (Psychology)

Abstract

This thesis seeks to advance understanding of flourishing among individuals with lower limb amputations. Flourishing is defined as a state of sustainable well-being that can be assessed across six key domains of an individual’s life. These domains include happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, close social relationships, and financial and material stability. Individuals living with amputation were recruited from a local clinic and completed a demographic survey along with the VanderWeele flourishing scale. After expressing interest through the screening survey, participants (n = 12) were invited to participate in one of three focus groups. The average scale score was 95 out of a possible 120, which demonstrates strong flourishing among participants. Emerging themes reflect the physical, psychological, and social factors that either hindered or supported flourishing after experiencing lower limb amputation. Resulting themes emphasize the importance of peer-support groups, spirituality, mindset, and engaging in a range of activities (such as sports, support groups, or volunteering) for flourishing. Findings can inform actionable insights for interventions, policies, and support systems that promote holistic well-being and equitable care.

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