The aphasic person's views of the encounter with other people: a grounded theory analysis.
Being affected by aphasia influences the total life experience. The aim of this study was to generate a theoretical model, from a nursing perspective, of what aphasic persons (n = 12) experience in encounters with other people. Data were collected through interviews which adopted a biophysical, socio-cultural and psychological approach and then analysed using grounded theory method. Two main categories emerged, namely: 'interaction' and 'support'. Encountered experiences led to: 'a feeling of having ability'; 'a feeling of being an outsider'; and 'a feeling of dejection or uncertainty'. The feeling state was dependent on whether the interaction was 'obstructed' or 'secure' and on whether the support resulted in 'strengthened' or 'impaired' self-esteem. Therefore nurses need to give support that enhances patients' self-esteem and which results in them gaining a positive and realistic view of their aphasia, as well as involving those around them in this perspective. This then will give the possibility for the patient to turn the interaction process from an obstructed into a secure one.
Andersson
S
S
Department of Geriatrics and Rehabilitation, County Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden.
Fridlund
B
B
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001037:Aphasia / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009742:Nursing Theory; D012649:Self Concept; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D013548:Sweden