Change in identity and self-concept: a new theoretical approach to recovery following a stroke

To determine whether respondents reported a change in identity following stroke.

A cross-sectional comparison study of perceived changes in the self-concept of stroke respondents and matched hospital volunteers. A questionnaire was administered to stroke respondents in their own homes and to hospital volunteers in their work setting.

Twenty-six first-time stroke survivors who had no severe communication, cognitive or perceptual difficulties or previous physical disability, and who had returned home from hospital up to two years previously. The comparison group were 26 hospital volunteers matched for age, gender and the time from which past self-concept was considered.

Included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Frenchay Activity Index and the Head Injury Semantic Differential Scale to assess past and present self-concept.

Overall, individuals described themselves in more negative terms than prior to their stroke. They saw themselves as less interested, capable and independent, (p < 0.001) and less in control, satisfied and active (p < 0.05). They still saw themselves as friendly, calm, caring, hopeful and talkative. The overall self-concept of the comparison group remained positive and stable over a comparable time period.

The stroke respondents reported a negative sense of self, reduced social activity and psychological morbidity despite inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Individuals following stroke may settle for a restricted future because of their expectations of life with a disability. Clinicians need to be aware of the meaning of the stroke within the life of each individual.