Impact of stroke on affective well-being: findings from a large longitudinal nationally representative study

To examine whether the incidence of stroke influences affective well-being (positive affect and negative affect), and whether such a relationship is moderated by general self-efficacy.

Longitudinal data from 2008, 2011 and 2014 were used from a population-based sample of community-residing individuals ≥ 40 years in Germany (n = 9,659 in regression analysis). Affective well-being was quantified using the established Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). A well-established scale by Schwarzer and Jerusalem was used to assess general self-efficacy. General practitioner diagnosed stroke was reported.

Fixed effects regressions showed that the incidence of stroke was associated with a decrease in positive affect in the total sample (β = -.17, p < .001) and in both sexes (men: β = -.16, p < .05; women: β = -.19, p < .01). In contrast to these findings, the incidence of stroke was not associated with changes in negative affect (total sample; stratified by sex). Moreover, general self-efficacy moderated the relation between stroke and positive affect.

Panel regression models showed that the incidence of stroke was associated with a decline in positive affect in the total sample and in both sexes. As the general self-efficacy moderated this association, it may be beneficial to enhance self-efficacy and prioritize coping strategies among stroke survivals.