Coping resources in individuals with aphasia

Abstract

Background: Individuals with aphasia (IWA) may be under considerable stress due to the nature of language impairments and other stroke sequelae. IWA have reported a greater perception of stress compared to neurologically intact individuals, including fewer perceived coping resources to assuage the effects of this stress.

Aims: This study sought to identify which areas of coping resources are perceived to be available or unavailable to IWA in comparison with those with right brain damage (RBD) and neurologically intact individuals.

Methods & Procedures: A total of 31 IWA, 12 individuals with RBD, and 14 neurologically intact individuals completed the Coping Resources Inventory for Stress with a caregiver, spouse, or friend to facilitate comprehension of test items. Subtest scores were compared for group differences.

Outcomes & Results: All three groups perceived similar coping resources in the areas of social support and financial freedom. IWA perceived fewer resources than those with RBD and neurologically intact individuals in the areas of stress monitoring and tension control. Both IWA and those with RBD perceived fewer resources in the area of acceptance.

Conclusions: IWA have retained coping resources in some areas, specifically confidence, social support and financial freedom. Helping IWA use these resources may be an effective way to reduce stress in this population. IWA may also benefit from counselling in coping resources, specifically in the areas of stress monitoring and tension control. Counselling programmes should educate IWA on the chronic nature of aphasia and how acceptance may be a useful coping resource in later stages of recovery.

Keywords:

• Aphasia
• Stress
• Coping resources

Acknowledgments

This project was funded by NIH R03 DC006177 held by the second author. We would also like to thank the participants for their time.