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Coping during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: an exploratory study
1Programs in Occupational Therapy, 710 West 168th Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10032, USA. GG50@columbia.edu
Summary
Stroke survivors primarily use adaptive coping strategies during rehabilitation. Factors like depression and comorbidities influence strategy selection, highlighting the need to address emotional impacts.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- The emotional and psychological impact of stroke, particularly during inpatient rehabilitation, is often overshadowed by physical recovery.
- Understanding coping mechanisms is crucial for holistic stroke patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coping strategies employed by acute stroke survivors during inpatient rehabilitation.
- To explore the associations between demographic/clinical variables and the use of specific coping behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A case series design involving 16 acute stroke survivors.
- Standardized assessments and medical record reviews were conducted during the first week of inpatient rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- Stroke survivors utilized a combination of coping strategies, predominantly adaptive over maladaptive ones.
- Women employed more adaptive strategies. Depression correlated with maladaptive coping, while comorbidities were linked to adaptive coping.
- Higher coping self-efficacy was associated with increased use of active coping and positive reframing.
Conclusions:
- Direct-care providers should prioritize assessing and addressing the emotional consequences of stroke.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between coping strategies and stroke recovery outcomes.