| dc.description.abstract | The overall aim of this study is to explore the subjective experiences of
psychotherapeutic interventions and the sense-making process in a group of persons
paralysed as a consequence of violence-related gunshot injury. An available and
purposive sample of ten participants was selected from public and private hospitals in and
around Johannesburg, and from the Association for the Physically Disabled in South
Africa. Three females and seven males, between the ages of 26 and 43 years, took part in
the research. The participants had all suffered penetrative damage to the spinal cord in the
thoracic region as a result of violence related gunshot injury, and are therefore classified
as having paraplegia The participants' gunshot injuries had been sustained in incidents
ranging from attempted hijacking and armed robbery, to being caught in crime-related
crossfire. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants. A narrative approach
was used to examine participants' unique stories, utilising a systematic form of narrative
analysis. The thesis consists of three articles, namely 1) The subjective experience of
psychotherapeutic interventions in the rehabilitation of persons paralysed as a result of
violence-related gunshot injuries; 2) Making sense of paraplegia caused by
violence-related gunshot injury; and 3) Therapeutic guidelines for the management of
persons paralysed as a result of violence-related gunshot injuries.
The findings of article 1 reveal that paraplegic persons had both positive and
negative experiences during their hospital rehabilitation. Ultimately, however, positive
experiences compensated for negative experiences. This suggests that in the absence of
psychotherapeutic interventions, psychosocial adjustment may possibly not be facilitated.
The second article indicates that although several barriers prevented participants from
making sense of their trauma, meaningful relationships, spiritual growth and a greater
appreciation of the value of life were still possible. in the final article guidelines were put
forward that include meeting the holistic and adjustment needs of paraplegic persons.
Future research is suggested and limitations acknowledged. | |
