Gender motivational traits of the disabled with lower limbs structural and functional deficiencies

Aim. To define the motivational and gender differences in patients with limb loss. Methods. 318 patients [male - 267 (83.3%), female - 51 (16.7%)] with lower limbs structural and functional deficiencies admitted for prosthetics surgery to prosthetic and orthopedics center «Reabilitaciya invalidov», Kazan, Russia, from 2008 to 2010 were included in the study. Empiric data on motivational features were gained using questionnaires and test examinations of 191 patients aged form 18 to 66 years. Quality of life, personality traits, emotional and motivational health, natural, and social and cultural environment were assessed. Results. Marked need for affiliation was typical for patients with high anxiety levels (r=0.15, p <0.05) and emotive (r=0.17, p <0.01) personalities and is decreased in rigid personalities (r=-0.26, p <0.01). There was a negative correlation between the urge of being accepted by others and the need for success (r=-0.19, p <0.05). Affiliate need in women was relevantly higher compared to men (t=2.87, p <0.05). The strong negative correlation of the need to be accepted by others and motivation for achievement was noticed in women (r=-0.46, p <0.01), in men the difference was not significant (r=-0.11). Demonstrative (r=0.21, p <0.05) and hyperthymic (r=0.24, p <0.01) personalities were more often focused on achievement and success. Pedantic (r=-0.23, p <0.01), anxious (r=-0.28, p <0.01) and cyclothymic (r=-0.28, p <0.01) traits were associated with the motivation for tranquility. Motivation for achievement was relevantly higher in men (t=-2.82, p <0.05). High personal anxiety (r=-0.38, p <0.05) and depression (r=-0.36, p <0.05) were characteristic for women with predominant tranquility motivation. A negative correlation of degree of motivation for achievement and situational (r=-0.23, p <0.01) and personal (r=-0.19, p <0.05) anxiety, as well as depression (r=-0.36, p <0.001) was found in men. This concludes that depression and anxiety decrease the willingness to success in patients of both genders. Conclusion. When planning a rehabilitation program for disabled, gender differences should be taken into account, because connection between motivation for achievement, affiliation, personal traits, emotional traits and physical activity parameters are different in men and women.

disability, limb loss, quality of life, motivation, personality types, rehabilitation