Self-concept Craig is a 20-year-old male college student who was involved in an automobile crash 3 days ago, suffering a traumatic amputation of his left lower leg. Craig’s mother has remained with...

Self-concept

Craig is a 20-year-old male college student who was involved in an automobile crash 3 days ago, suffering a traumatic amputation of his left lower leg. Craig’s mother has remained with him since the crash and is very supportive. His father is grief-stricken and having difficulty dealing with Craig’s condition because Craig was captain of his college basketball team and had aspirations of becoming a professional athlete. Craig’s condition is stable and he is being placed into a rehabilitation program immediately. Soon, he will be fitted for a leg prosthesis. Usually an outgoing individual, Craig is somber and nontalkative. He does not look at his leg when dressings are being changed and he refuses to discuss his rehabilitation program.

1. What data suggest that Craig’s self-esteem is or is at risk for being, negatively affected by his amputation?


2. What factors are likely to affect Craig’s adaptation to his amputation and rehabilitation?


3. What other groups of clients, in addition to those with amputations, are at risk for the development of altered self-esteem or body image?