Self-perception and identity following stroke

Abstract

This study is a qualitative investigation amongst 5 patients below the age of 60 from a Maltese population who had suffered a stroke 6 months to 1 year prior to data collection. The main aim was to investigate whether patients perceived themselves differently post-stroke and whether this caused a change in their identity and what mechanisms they used to adapt to such a change. Little research exists in relation to this topic. and literature on the psychosocial impact of stroke highlights the need to specifically study identity in more depth. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used for data collection. Following transcription. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed for data analysis Results showed that patients perceived themselves as different post-stroke. but the degree and type of change varied. Adaptive strategies were employed by some patients to adjust to their newly impaired self. Physical impairment caused by stroke may lead to identity change if it prevents the individual from engaging in activities that were self-defining pre-stroke. This study can help practitioners as well as carers to better understand the experience of identity change post-stroke, so as to broaden treatment to include both medical as well as psychological techniques.