In this paper critical aspects of embodiment relating to assistive technology will be discussed and evaluated. Issues of well-being and prosthesis use, current developments in prosthetic research and embodimental impacts of prostheses on users will be adressed.
The focus is on upper limb prostheses, as their relation to embodimental issues is less investigated than the relation of embodiment and lower limb prostheses.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of terms
2.1. Embodiment
2.2. Assistive technology
3. The importance of the hand and upper limb amputation
4. Neurological correlates of body image and prosthetic integration
5. Social aspects of prosthesis use
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives & Topics
This essay aims to conduct a critical review of the relationship between assistive technology and embodiment, specifically focusing on the intersection of upper limb prostheses and the human experience. The primary research objective is to examine how technological developments in prosthetics interact with an individual's body image, social identity, and psychological well-being, while questioning whether higher technological complexity consistently leads to better user outcomes.
- Theoretical analysis of embodiment and assistive technology.
- The role of sensory feedback in the integration of artificial limbs.
- Psychological and social implications of upper limb loss and prosthetic use.
- Critical comparison between myoelectric and body-powered prosthetic devices.
- Socio-cultural factors influencing user satisfaction and stigmatization.
Excerpt from the Book
The human hand is crucial for sensing the world.
It is even deeply embodied in our language (not only in the English language). For instance, to ‘grasp’ something is meant both figurative and literary. Through sensing the world through our hands we grasp our environment when we grow up, we communicate with our hands through gesticulation and touching others, we work with our hands, we use them as tools etc. Comprehensibly, the loss of a hand can be a very traumatic experience. A clinical study examining depression among patients with various amputations illustrates a 35% prevalence of major depressive disorder affected persons (Kashani, Frank, Kashani, Wonderlich, & Reid, 1983). In another study, nearly two third of the patients with amputations (N=72) experienced psychiatric symptoms within 1-2 weeks of amputation (Shukla, Sahu, Tripathi & Gupta, 1982). Patients with a clinical history were excluded. In addition to that, affected persons commonly experience stump pain and phantom pain of the absent limb (Saradjian, Thompson & Datta, 2008). Thus, losing a hand means more than ‘just’ losing a functional part of the body, it means a disturbed ‘being in the world’, containing an immense loss of sensation and (from the point of view of gestalt theory) a loss of body image (Racy,1989).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the problem of object-meaning in the context of assistive technology, using glasses as a functional and cultural case study to transition into the main topic of upper limb prosthetics.
2. Definition of terms: This section defines 'embodiment' as the identification of abstract ideas with physical entities and 'assistive technology' as an umbrella term for devices that assist in task performance.
3. The importance of the hand and upper limb amputation: The chapter explores the unique status of the human hand in social interaction, gesticulation, and language, and highlights the high psychological burden caused by its loss.
4. Neurological correlates of body image and prosthetic integration: This section discusses the 'rubber hand illusion' and the necessity of sensory feedback for the successful neurological integration of artificial limbs.
5. Social aspects of prosthesis use: The chapter examines the dual role of prostheses in both preventing stigmatization and enabling participation in social rites, while addressing the limitations of high-cost electronic devices.
6. Conclusion: The summary concludes that prosthetic needs are highly individual, stressing that technological innovation must be balanced with social support and functional relevance.
Keywords
Embodiment, Assistive Technology, Upper Limb Prosthesis, Body Image, Sensory Feedback, Stigmatization, Myoelectric Devices, Body-Powered Prostheses, Psychological Adaptation, Social Integration, Human Hand, Rehabilitation, Bionics, Cultural Body, Proprioception
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The publication focuses on the critical review of the relationship between assistive technology—specifically upper limb prostheses—and the concept of embodiment, exploring how these devices integrate into a person's physical and social life.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The main themes include the psychological impact of limb loss, the role of sensory feedback in prosthetic acceptance, the social meanings associated with prosthetics, and the critical comparison between low-tech and high-tech assistive solutions.
What is the main research question of the study?
The essay investigates whether technological sophistication in prosthetics effectively improves the quality of life for users, or if the individual's social and psychological needs are more significant than purely functional or mechanical advancements.
Which scientific methodologies are utilized in this work?
The author employs a literature-based, qualitative review approach, drawing on clinical studies, psychological theories such as the 'rubber hand illusion', and sociological perspectives like the 'Terror Management Theory'.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the neurological integration of artificial limbs, the importance of sensory feedback, the role of prosthetics in managing social stigmatization, and the economic and practical considerations of choosing between different prosthetic types.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Embodiment, Assistive Technology, Upper Limb Prosthesis, Body Image, Stigmatization, and Sensory Feedback.
How does the 'rubber hand illusion' relate to prosthetics?
The 'rubber hand illusion' demonstrates that the brain can integrate external, inanimate objects into its own body image when appropriate sensory feedback is provided, which serves as a foundation for improving future prosthetic designs.
Why might some users prefer 'technologically inferior' devices?
Some users prefer cable-driven or body-powered devices over high-tech myoelectric ones because they provide better sensory feedback, are more durable in varied environments, and are more cost-effective for their specific needs.
What is the 'social normalizing role' of a prosthetic?
The prosthetic acts as a social tool that allows amputees to adhere to cultural norms—such as shaking hands or eating in public—thereby helping them avoid the stigma associated with a 'disordered' body image.
Does the author conclude that high-tech prosthetics are unnecessary?
No, the author does not reject high-tech solutions but argues that they are not a universal cure; they should be one option among many, as the 'best' device depends entirely on the user's individual lifestyle, needs, and environmental context.
- Quote paper
- Engin Devekiran (Author), 2015, Critical review of the relationship between Assistive Technology and Embodiment, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/319187
