Abstract

PINTO, José Manuel; MONTINHO, Luís Miguel Silva  and  GONCALVES, Pedro Ricardo Coelho. The Individual and the Burn: changes in the dynamics of the individual’s subsystem during a burn process. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2010, vol.serIII, n.1, pp.81-92. ISSN 0874-0283.

The purpose of this article is to study the changes experienced by the burned patient in his/her own subsystem. In this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study, content analysis (Bardin, 1979) was used to analyse the data collected. It should be underlined that the phantasmatic and relational process established in the burned individual brings into question the relationships and demands a further relational elaboration (family members and relatives). It occurs over a more or less long period of time, in which we highlight three stages: [0-2 months], [2-12 months] and [over 12 months]. In the first stage, we point out the shock and denial experienced by the individual and his/her relatives, as well as the loss or distortion of body image. In the intermediate stage, some depressive symptoms and the restructuring of the relationships and priorities in life should be underlined. In the final stage, there is an integration of the new body image and the existing relationships are stabilized. The results indicate a personal, social and phantom restructuring to a new paradigm for the burn victim.

Keywords : self concept; attachment; family relations; burns.

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