Lisa Martin1, Michelle Byrnes2, Sarah McGarry3, Suzanne Rea4, Fiona Wood4. 1. University of Western Australia, Burn Injury Research Unit, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Electronic address: Lisa.Martin3@health.wa.gov.au. 2. University of Western Australia, Clinical Psychology Research Unit, Western Australian Neuroscience Research Institute, Level 4, A Block, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia. 3. Fiona Wood Foundation, Fiona Stanley Hospital, MNH (B) Main Hospital, Level 4, Burns Unit, 102-118 Murdoch Drive, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; Burn Service of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, MNH (B) Main Hospital, Level 4, Burns Unit, 102-118 Murdoch Drive, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia. 4. University of Western Australia, Burn Injury Research Unit, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Fiona Wood Foundation, Fiona Stanley Hospital, MNH (B) Main Hospital, Level 4, Burns Unit, 102-118 Murdoch Drive, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; Burn Service of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, MNH (B) Main Hospital, Level 4, Burns Unit, 102-118 Murdoch Drive, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Visible scarring after burn causes social challenges which impact on interpersonal connection. These have health impacts which may worsen outcomes for burn patients and reduce the potential for posttraumatic growth (PTG). AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate adult burn survivors' experiences of interpersonal relationships as potential barriers to posttraumatic recovery following hand or face burns. METHOD: This qualitative study explored patient experiences of interpersonal situations. A purposive sample (n=16) who had visible burn scarring were interviewed more than two years after their burn. RESULTS: Emotional barriers included the fear of rejection, feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment and humiliation. Situational barriers included inquisitive questions, comments and behaviours of others. Responses depended on the relationship with the person, how they were asked and the social situation. Active coping strategies included positive reframing, humour, changing the self, and pre-empting questions. Avoidant coping strategies included avoidance of eye contact, closed body language, hiding scars, and learning to shut down conversations. CONCLUSION: Emotional and situational barriers reduced social connection and avoidant coping strategies reduced the interaction of people with burns with others. Active coping strategies need to be taught to assist with social reintegration. This highlights the need for peer support, family support and education, and social skills training.
INTRODUCTION: Visible scarring after burn causes social challenges which impact on interpersonal connection. These have health impacts which may worsen outcomes for burn patients and reduce the potential for posttraumatic growth (PTG). AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate adult burn survivors' experiences of interpersonal relationships as potential barriers to posttraumatic recovery following hand or face burns. METHOD: This qualitative study explored patient experiences of interpersonal situations. A purposive sample (n=16) who had visible burn scarring were interviewed more than two years after their burn. RESULTS: Emotional barriers included the fear of rejection, feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment and humiliation. Situational barriers included inquisitive questions, comments and behaviours of others. Responses depended on the relationship with the person, how they were asked and the social situation. Active coping strategies included positive reframing, humour, changing the self, and pre-empting questions. Avoidant coping strategies included avoidance of eye contact, closed body language, hiding scars, and learning to shut down conversations. CONCLUSION: Emotional and situational barriers reduced social connection and avoidant coping strategies reduced the interaction of people with burns with others. Active coping strategies need to be taught to assist with social reintegration. This highlights the need for peer support, family support and education, and social skills training.
Authors: Benjamin Levi; Casey T Kraft; Gabriel D Shapiro; Nhi-Ha T Trinh; Emily C Dore; James Jeng; Austin F Lee; Amy Acton; Molly Marino; Alan Jette; Elizabeth A Armstrong; Jeffrey C Schneider; Lewis E Kazis; Colleen M Ryan Journal: J Burn Care Res Date: 2018-10-23 Impact factor: 1.845
Authors: Janine M Duke; Sean M Randall; Thirthar P Vetrichevvel; Sarah McGarry; James H Boyd; Suzanne Rea; Fiona M Wood Journal: Burns Trauma Date: 2018-11-13
Authors: Emily A Ohrtman; Gabriel D Shapiro; Laura C Simko; Emily Dore; Mary D Slavin; Cayla Saret; Flor Amaya; J Lomelin-Gascon; Pengsheng Ni; Amy Acton; Molly Marino; Lewis E Kazis; Colleen M Ryan; Jeffrey C Schneider Journal: J Burn Care Res Date: 2018-10-23 Impact factor: 1.819