The longitudinal relationship between acceptance and anxiety and depression in people who have had a stroke

The role that acceptance may play in anxiety and depression has received little attention in stroke, unlike other chronic conditions. This study aimed to clarify whether acceptance of a stroke is related to anxiety and depression post-stroke when controlling for social support.

A longitudinal design was employed with 35 participants completing measures at two time points: three-month and nine-month post-stroke.

Forty-one stroke patients, who were three-month post-stroke, were recruited from a stroke service register. Participants completed measures of anxiety, depression, social support and acceptance at two time points, six months apart.

Acceptance was moderately and negatively correlated with anxiety and depression at three- and nine-month post-stroke. Acceptance showed a moderate and positive correlation with emotional and practical social support at Time 1 but not at Time 2. Acceptance at Time 1 was a stronger predictor of both anxiety and depression at Time 2 than emotional or practical social support.

Acceptance is an important area to consider in relation to rehabilitation and adjustment following a stroke.