Motivation Theory and Practice in Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Motivation is recognized as a factor influencing aphasia rehabilitation outcomes.
• Existing literature suggests efforts to promote motivation in individuals with aphasia.
• There is a lack of research specifically examining beliefs and practices related to motivation in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of the aphasia literature to identify themes related to beliefs and practices surrounding motivation.
• To synthesize current understanding of how motivation is viewed and incorporated in aphasia research and clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of four databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar) was performed for articles published between 2009 and 2020.
• Keywords included 'aphasia' and 'motivation' (and its derivatives).
• Thematic analysis was applied to quotations surrounding the term 'motivation' in 365 selected articles.

Main Results:

• Sixteen themes regarding motivation in aphasia were identified and grouped into two categories.
• Five themes indicated a belief in the importance of studying and recognizing motivation in individuals with aphasia.
• Eleven themes revealed diverse beliefs and practices concerning the integration of motivation in research and clinical activities.

Conclusions:

• Beliefs about motivation among aphasia researchers, clinicians, and individuals with aphasia can impact decisions in clinical and research contexts.
• Current approaches to motivation in aphasia appear largely intuitive, lacking a strong theoretical foundation.
• Future research should apply established motivation theories, such as self-determination theory, to provide empirical support for practices in aphasia rehabilitation.