Posttraumatic growth following aphasia: a prospective cohort study of the first year post-stroke

ABSTRACT

Background

Notable positive change arising from the struggle with a major crisis (known as posttraumatic growth – PTG) has been reported following war, accidents and life-threatening illnesses. Whilst negative changes following aphasia are well-documented, positive changes, such as PTG, have not been sufficiently explored.

Aims

To determine whether people with aphasia can experience PTG throughout their first year post-stroke both quantitatively (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory) and qualitatively (video-taped open-ended interviews).

Methods & Procedures

Thirteen people with a first incidence of aphasia were assessed at four points in the first year, using a prospective longitudinal cohort study design.

Outcomes & Results

On the PTG Inventory, there were no significant differences in the mean total score nor in the five posttraumatic growth domains at each stage, although there was a trend to greater growth over time, particularly in relationships, appreciation of life and personal growth. Reflective comments reinforce this evidence and indicate the importance of post-aphasia relationships, enhanced positive traits, a greater appreciation of life and a changed sense of what is important.

Conclusions

It is apparent that some participants can experience PTG and are redefining themselves positively. Strategies to promote the development of PTG in parallel with other therapeutic tools are detailed.

KEYWORDS:

• Aphasia
• posttraumatic growth
• recovery
• identity
• rehabilitation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplementary material

Supplemetal data for this article can be accessed here.