Coping with the consequences of a stroke.
OBJECTIVE
Having a stroke constitutes a major life event which engenders some types of adaptation in order to try to resume to a "normal" life. The objectives of this study were (1) to explore the type of coping strategies used following a stroke; (2) to verify if coping strategies change over time, and (3) to verify if the coping strategies used are related to age, gender, actualization of potential, handicap level and depression.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 76 participants who had had a stroke was recruited upon discharge from a functional intensive rehabilitation unit. Data were collected 2 weeks later and 6 months later in their own home. Coping strategies were measured using a modified version of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Actualization of potential was measured using the Measure of the Actualization of Potential and handicap level was quantified with the LIFE-H. Finally, the Beck Depression Inventory was used to evaluate the presence of depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that long after the end of an intensive rehabilitation programme, some coping strategies might be more effective in dealing with the consequences of a stroke whereas others might be related to some form of inadaptation. However, the results should be treated with caution. More research on coping following a stroke using mixed methodologies is needed.
Rochette
A
A
Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Sherbrooke, 1036 Bélvedére Sud, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 4C4, Canada. arochett@courrier.usherb.ca
Desrosiers
J
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011792:Quebec; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation