Stroke is a condition associated with a number of cognitive, physical and emotional sequelae and as such is the leading cause of significant long-term disability (The Stroke Association, 2013). It is also changes a individual's sense of self, an experience of which several models of adjustment to stroke have attempted to capture (i.e, Gracey et aI., 2009; Taylor et al., 2011), The purpose of this study was investigate the internal psychological processes that have an effect on adjustment. In particular, the traits of self-criticism and perfectionism are examined in relation to their impact on outcomes post-stroke. This is investigated using two studies. Study 1 is a longitudinal study (n = 8) that aimed to examine stroke survivors within 8 weeks of their discharge from acute care (time 1) and follow their progress six months later (time 2). Unfortunately this study was limited by a poor response rate and consequent small sample size therefore any conclusions are drawn with extreme caution. Study 2 attempted to address the research question using a cross-sectional method. 69 stroke survivors completed a series of questionnaires relating to brain injury sequelae, perfectionism, self-criticism, mood and quality of life. Self-criticism was found to moderate the relationship between brain injury sequelae and quality of life and also the relationship between self-discrepancy and quality of life. Perfectionism was not found to have any effect on psychological well-being post stroke and the possible reasons for this result are discussed. The clinical implications of this study include an increased focus on building compassion and self-reassuring skills in stroke survivors.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:600167 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Bousie, Leah |
| Publisher | University of Surrey |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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