The body, embodiment and spinal cord injury: A literature review of body image experiences and a qualitative exploration of phantom sensations after spinal cord injury.

This thesis explores individual’s experiences of adjusting to changes to their bodies after spinal cord injury (SCI). The author was interested in exploring this using a holistic approach as historically the mind and body have been separated, despite the inextricable links between physical and psychological experiences.
Paper one presents a literature review exploring individual’s experiences of adjusting to changes in body image after SCI. Ten papers were critically appraised and synthesised using thematic synthesis. The themes identified illustrated that individuals had negative and positive body image experiences after SCI. Adjustment to bodily changes was a dynamic process influenced by the interaction between individual, relational and sociocultural factors. Rehabilitation presents a window of opportunity to promote positive body image experiences and adjustment to SCI.
Paper two presents a qualitative study which used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore how six individuals experienced phantom sensations after SCI. Phantom sensations significantly impacted upon individuals’ wellbeing due to the distressing and painful nature of these experiences. Individuals described the challenge of simultaneously experiencing multiple and conflicting realities. The research highlighted the need to raise awareness about phantom sensations after SCI as a lack of clinician awareness left individuals feeling isolated, unsupported and confused by their experiences. Interventions offered were largely ineffective. Individuals were often left to cope independently, which they did by ‘blocking out’ the sensations. Therefore, it would be beneficial for future research to focus on the development of interventions.
Paper three is an executive summary that presents the key findings from the qualitative study in an accessible format in order to disseminate the findings more widely. The summary is for individuals with lived experience of phantom sensations after SCI and people with an interest in this phenomenon.