[Side effects of psychotherapeutic intervention for caregivers of stroke patients: do patients also benefit?].
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed at investigating whether stroke patients benefit from their spouses attending a psychotherapeutic group intervention, in terms of improved functioning level and quality of life.


METHODS
Within the scope of a panel study with control group design, n = 124, stroke patients were interviewed using standardized questionnaires, regarding competences of daily life (PCRS) and quality of life (WHOQoL). In the intervention group, the patients' spouses attended a psychotherapeutic group intervention; the spouses of two control groups merely received illness-related information. Data was evaluated statistically by means of multiple regression analysis.


RESULTS
No statistically significant effects of the caregiver intervention on the patients were found. However, patients of the intervention group tended to report improved quality of life in the course of the study period, whereas subjective quality of life worsened for patients of the control groups. In all groups, impairments of everyday-life competences increased.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that psychotherapeutic group intervention for caregivers also has positive side effects on the patients. Further research is necessary in order to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms at work behind these positive side effects. Assistance concepts for spouses of stroke patients should utilize such intermediary effects more systematically.
Wilz
G
G
Fachbereich für Klinische Psychologie und Gesundheitspsychologie, Technische Universität Berlin. gabriele.wilz@gp.tu-berlin.de
Jungbauer
J
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation