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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Cognitive Function and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training Post-Stroke Using a Digital Occupational Training System
Published on: December 29, 2023
Self-actualization and poststroke rehabilitation
Mélanie Couture1, Johanne Desrosiers, Gilbert Leclerc
1Research Centre on Ageing, University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada. melanie.couture@USherbrooke.ca
Summary
Individuals with stroke have lower self-actualization (capacity to maximize abilities) than healthy adults. Rehabilitation did not improve self-actualization levels, indicating a need for further research into post-stroke outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Rehabilitation outcomes are influenced by an individual's self-actualization, defined as the capacity to maximize their abilities and resources.
- Understanding self-actualization in stroke survivors is crucial for optimizing recovery and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare self-actualization levels in stroke survivors undergoing inpatient rehabilitation versus healthy individuals.
- To assess changes in self-actualization during the rehabilitation process.
- To explore the relationship between self-actualization and functional outcomes, length of stay, and living environment changes post-stroke.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 37 individuals in inpatient stroke rehabilitation and 562 healthy controls.
- Self-actualization was measured using the Measure of Actualization of Potential.
- Data analysis compared self-actualization levels between groups, assessed changes from admission to discharge, and examined correlations with functional independence, length of stay, and living environment changes.
Main Results:
- Stroke survivors exhibited significantly lower self-actualization levels compared to healthy individuals (P<0.001).
- Self-actualization levels remained stable throughout the rehabilitation period (P=0.07).
- No significant associations were found between self-actualization and changes in functional independence (P=0.36), length of stay (P=0.82), or discharge living environment (P=0.65).
Conclusions:
- Many individuals post-stroke demonstrate reduced self-actualization, which does not appear to improve during standard inpatient rehabilitation.
- These findings highlight a potential gap in addressing psychological resources during stroke recovery.
- Further research is recommended to investigate the interplay between self-actualization, depressive symptoms, and social participation in post-stroke populations.
