Open AccessCouples' Coping After Stroke—A Pilot Intervention Study
Author(s) -
RobinsonSmith Gale,
Harmer Catherine,
Sheeran Robin,
Bellino Vallo Eileen
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
rehabilitation nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.355
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2048-7940
pISSN - 0278-4807
DOI - 10.1002/rnj.213
Subject(s) - coping (psychology) , stroke (engine) , psychology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , intervention (counseling) , physical therapy , medicine , clinical psychology , psychiatry , engineering , mechanical engineering
Purpose This mixed‐methods pilot study examined the impact of a psychoeducational intervention ( PEI ) to expand coping skills and identify themes for focused nursing strategies to assist poststroke couples. Design Outcome variables, including dyadic coping, quality of life, depression, and self‐care self‐efficacy, were measured in experimental and control groups initially and after PEI was created with experimental couples in six home sessions. Method Repeated measures analysis of variance compared control ( n = 5 stroke survivors; n = 5 spouses) and experimental groups' ( n = 5 stroke survivors; n = 5 spouses) on outcomes. Findings Significant increase occurred in experimental group stroke survivors in coping by oneself and quality of life; depressive symptoms decreased. Significant increase in positive dyadic coping occurred for experimental group spouses. PEI intervention generated a major theme. Conclusions Nurse‐initiated cognitive coping intervention was supported by experimental group's elements. Clinical Relevance Nurses may use psychoeducational techniques to motivate stroke couples.