Young people's experience of limb difference and how this impacts their relationships with others

Published Date: 30th July 2026

Publication Authors: Fitzpatrick. JR

Purpose
Adolescence is a period in which appearance and relationships matter more than most. For those with visible differences, they can experience psychosocial challenges in their interactions with others. For young people with limb difference, it is unclear in the literature if they experience similar social challenges to their peers with other visible differences. The study aimed to understand the lived experience of young people with limb difference and explore the impact on their relationships and interactions with others.

Materials and methods
A qualitative design was used in which data was collected via semi-structured interviews with six young people with limb difference (aged 14–17 years) and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Results
Three themes were developed [1]: ‘functioning under the threat of others’ intrigue’ [2], ‘being with others like me’ [3], ‘disability being seen over capability’.

Conclusions
Findings demonstrate limb-different young people’s perception of their appearance and ability is impacted by other people. Interacting with peers with limb difference can have a positive impact, whereas comments and assumptions from others can have a negative impact.

Fitzpatrick, JR et al. (2026). Young people's experience of limb difference and how this impacts their relationships with others. Disability and Rehabilitation. Pub online 30 Jul. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2709665 [Accessed 7 August 2026]