Symbolic aspects of lower limb amputation from the perspective of Jungian psychology

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: With a high clinical incidence, amputation is a complex process of total or partial removal of an organ located at one end. Besides the organic and social repercussions, amputation also mobilizes representations, ideas and affections that interfere in actions, thoughts and feelings, demanding resignification of losses. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the symbolic aspects present in the amputation process and the associated complexes beyond the body literalness. METHOD: Qualitative and exploratory research of the type of case study carried out in a public hospital in the interior of Bahia.  Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data from medical records were collected, both analyzed through analysis of content in the light of Analytical Psychology. (Jungian). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results showed three narrative categories, being the impact of the participants facing the news of the amputation; the emotional aspects and perceptions facing the post-operative and the symbolic constructions facing the amputation. The discussion showed that amputation is seen as a loss associated mainly with the activation of the complexes of life and death, the invalid and the warrior. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the symbolic processing is dynamic and individualized, the psychologist being able to act in the promotion of the symbolization of the experience considering that it is not possible to act in the symbolization of the other.