title: The use of writing groups to facilitate adaptation after stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This is a report on a pilot study of small writing groups to assist in long-term adaptation after stroke onset.
  
  
  METHODS
  26 stroke survivors participated in a small group experience to write a short essay to be published about their recovery. The sample consisted of middle-aged, well-educated participants who were several years post stroke and were self-selected by interest and experience in writing. The sample was evenly divided between men and women, and minority racial groups were adequately represented. Essays were published on a website and clustered in themes about coping with recovery and personal growth/changes in self-concept.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The group experience was well received by participants. Objective measures showed a trend toward improvement in positive identity and no significant change in depression or well-being. Significant differences found between subgroups (improved vs. declined; aphasia vs. no aphasia) are discussed. Anecdotal observations of the group process and implications for practice and further research are provided.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hartke
authors.forename: Rosemarie B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Florence
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Denby
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014956:Writing