Aphasia can be considered one of the most significant consequences of suffering a stroke; affecting one third of all survivors, impacting multiple language processing domains, and resulting in important consequences to quality of life thereafter.
This qualitative study explored the subjective experience of aphasia in stroke survivors, aiming to understand the individual’s perspective on living with chronic aphasia. Data collection and analysis were carried out using principles and techniques of grounded theory.
Data were collected through the non-standardized semi-structured interview. The researcher holds the copyright of the interview, created on the basis of conceptual guidelines A-FROM: Living with Aphasia - Framework for Outcome Measurement. Supported communication techniques were used to facilitate full participation of the individuals with aphasia. Transcribed data were analysed trough the protocol of open and axial coding.
Four major themes emerged from this study, which were explained in detail and compared with existing research; First, the severity of aphasia and one’s continued improvement of communication strategies were identified as critical factors in maintaining high quality of life after stroke. Second, subjectively improved lifestyle appears to require a strong social support within the circle of family, friends and broader society. Third, a higher degree of patient’s life participation and participation in everyday activities (e.g. working, leisure and home activities) advances and supports increased emotional and social well-being. Finally, emotional experience, personal identity and personal attitudes toward the disability were recognised as crucial factors of coping with and mitigating the potentially damaging effects of aphasia.
The study showed that aphasia in individuals significantly affects the quality of social interactions, causing changes in their social participation, relationships, personality and overall quality of life. Based on the findings of this study and on the existing literature on living with aphasia, it appears that subjective experience with aphasia is worthy of consideration by clinicians. As such, a number of suggestions for how clinicians may consider quality of life in people with aphasia following stroke are discussed.
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