Posttraumatic growth after stroke: a systematic review and meta-regression

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Stroke survivors may experience psychological changes post-injury.
• Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a potential positive outcome, but its trajectory and correlates in stroke survivors require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine posttraumatic growth (PTG) in stroke survivors.
• To understand how PTG evolves over time after stroke.
• To identify factors associated with PTG in this population.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-regression analysis were conducted.
• Searched CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, ProQuest Health and Medicine, and PsycINFO databases.
• Assessed reporting quality of 10 studies involving 1046 stroke survivors.

Main Results:

• A significant gradual increase in PTG scores was observed each month post-discharge.
• Higher education level, cognitive processing, and social support were positively correlated with PTG.
• Methodological reporting quality of the included studies was generally good.

Conclusions:

• Posttraumatic growth has potential in stroke survivors but is not a universal experience.
• Further research is needed to explore PTG as a therapeutic target for enhancing well-being and adjustment.
• Understanding PTG can inform interventions to improve long-term outcomes for stroke survivors.