How does family resilience develop among stroke survivors and their caregivers? A mixed-method study using a chain...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Rehabilitation Science
• Family Studies and Psychology
• Public Health and Health Services Research

Background:

• Family resilience theory suggests families can foster resilience during crises.
• Limited understanding exists regarding family resilience in Chinese stroke survivors and their caregivers.
• Stroke significantly impacts individuals and their family support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore direct and indirect relationships between stroke survivor family resilience, social support, self-perceived burden, and self-efficacy.
• To examine the mediating role of self-perceived burden and self-efficacy.
• To understand the adaptive journey of family resilience among Chinese stroke survivors and their caregivers.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed.
• Quantitative phase: Survey of 379 stroke survivors assessing social support, burden, self-efficacy, and family resilience.
• Qualitative phase: Semi-structured interviews with 15 stroke survivor-caregiver dyads to explore family resilience formation.

Main Results:

• Family resilience scores varied significantly with demographic and clinical factors in stroke survivors (p < 0.05).
• Self-perceived burden and self-efficacy partially mediated the link between social support and family resilience.
• Qualitative data revealed a trajectory from initial shock to adaptive resilience and future orientation.

Conclusions:

• Identifying factors influencing family resilience is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
• Interventions should aim to enhance family resilience and reduce caregiver burden.
• A holistic approach considering individual, family, and social perspectives is recommended.