Association between communication patterns, benefit finding, and relationship satisfaction in stroke couples: an...

To explore the mediating role of relationship satisfaction between communication patterns and benefit findings in stroke couples using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023 in China. Based on the actor-partner interdependence mediation model, we used structural equation modelling to explore the mediating role of relationship satisfaction of stroke patients and their spouses in communication patterns and benefit findings. A total of 381 stroke couples (patients, 61.4% male, mean age 54.06; caregivers, mean age 53.58) were included in the data analysis. Actor effects showed that stroke couples' relationship satisfaction mediated each of their own three communication patterns (constructive communication, demand/withdraw communication, and mutual avoidance) and benefit findings. In addition, patients' relationship satisfaction mediated patient demand-spouse withdraw and spouses' benefit findings. Partner effect showed that patients' relationship satisfaction mediated the association between their own three communication patterns and spouses' benefit findings. Patients' relationship satisfaction mediated the association between patient demand-spouse withdraw and patients' benefit findings. Moreover, spouses' relationship satisfaction mediated the association between the two communication avoidance patterns exhibited by patients (spouse demand-patient withdraw and mutual avoidance) and the spouses' benefit findings.

The results have demonstrated a reciprocal influence on benefit findings between stroke patients and their spouses. The communication patterns within these couples have impacted not only their own benefit findings but also those of their spouses, with relationship satisfaction playing a mediating role.