Learning to flourish in a new reality: a thematic analysis of couples’ experience of participation in a positive psychology intervention post-stroke

Abstract

Purpose

Explore the experiences of couples engaging in a positive psychology intervention post-stroke (ReStoreD: Promoting Resilience after Stroke in Dyads).

Materials and methods

This is a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected following an 8-week self-administered dyadic positive psychology intervention (Clinical Trial number: NCT03335358). Participants included dyads consisting of one partner who had a stroke at least three months prior and their cohabiting partner. Couples had to be community-dwelling and one or both had to report depressive symptoms. A thematic analysis was conducted on semi-structured feedback interviews from 26 dyads (n = 77 interviews).

Results

Two primary themes with multiple secondary themes were identified, depicting the experiences of couples post-stroke while engaging in the ReStoreD intervention. Primary and secondary themes included: changes in self (learning about the self, building new coping strategies, and acting with intention) and changes in the relationship (awareness of spouse, spending more positive time together, being more intentional in the relationship, and increased/improved communication).

Conclusions

Individuals and couples post-stroke often experience negative mood changes, poor health outcomes, and decreased participation. Implementation of ReStoreD activities in the clinical setting can be a valuable and impactful way to encourage and foster positive experiences and re-engagement post-stroke.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Through dyadic positive psychology intervention activities, rehabilitation professionals can build upon existing strengths and resources to encourage couples to increase their awareness and development of positive coping strategies as individuals and couples.

• Positive psychology intervention activities can be implemented by rehabilitation professionals at inpatient and outpatient settings through self-directed, low-cost, and time-efficient strategies to increase engagement in positive activities at home.

Keywords:

• Rehabilitation
• stroke
• resilience
• couples
• positive psychology
• psychosocial adjustment

Acknowledgments

Special acknowledgement is also granted to our participant couples who were integral to this research. Additionally, acknowledgement is granted to our research assistants, particularly [Jennifer Loya], who strongly contributed to this research study and manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NICHD R03HD091432; PI: Terrill), Utah StrokeNet (NIH/NINDS 5U10NS086606; PI: Majersik; NIH/NINDS 1U24NS107228: PI: Majersik), and NIH/NCATS (UL1TR002538). This work was also supported by a pilot grant from the University of Utah Consortium for Families and Health Research (PI: Terrill).