Adaptation and coping following a first stroke: a qualitative analysis of a phenomenological orientation

Stroke can have consequences in all areas of a person's life. If not coped with optimally, this life event will have a deleterious effect on the quality of life. The aim of this study was to improve understanding of appraisal and coping, post-stroke. Ten individuals were purposely recruited upon admission for a first stroke to participate in this qualitative study. Participants were asked to share their personal experiences with regard to their efforts to deal with the consequences of the stroke. In-depth interviews were transcribed verbatim and the content was analyzed using a rigorous method, inspired by a phenomenological orientation. Seven themes related to appraisal (unpredictability, overwhelming, feeling out of control, threat, turning point, acceptance/resignation and future prospects) and five themes related to coping (active and passive compensation, escape, change how the situation is perceived and utilization of resources) emerged from the content analysis of the in-depth interviews. In conclusion, since returning to the previous life style and activities is rather improbable, changing how the situation is perceived appears to be the most effective way of coping, in order to reach a state of acceptance/resignation favourable to an optimal quality of life.