Factors influencing self-selected mental health-related recovery goals poststroke: An observational study

To assess characteristics of individuals who wanted to address mental health needs during hospital admission for stroke through structured, person-centered goal setting, and to describe the types of mental health-related goals.

Analysis of aggregated baseline data from a randomized controlled trial (Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke). Trial participants were recruited from 11 Australian hospitals. Within 10 days of stroke admission, participants selected two to five recovery goals from five categories (health, mind and body, everyday activities, out-and-about, and health care). Baseline data included demographics, anxiety/depression status, health-related quality of life, unmet needs, and self-efficacy after stroke. Characteristics associated with selecting mental health-related goals were determined using multivariable logistic regressions.

Among 465 participants (33% female, Mdn = 67 years), 50 (11%) selected a mental health-related goal. Content of most mental health-related goals focused on improving mental health (73%) and controlling another lifestyle factor (20%). Selection of mental health-related goals was associated with being under 65 years of age, OR = 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.1, 3.9]; history of mental health concerns, OR = 4.7, 95% CI = [2.5, 8.9]; elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety, OR = 6.6, 95% CI = [3.3, 13.0]; or reporting an unmet mental health need, OR = 5.5, 95% CI = [2.7, 10.9].

We highlight important characteristics associated with self-selecting mental health-related goals after stroke. Greater understanding of barriers for older individuals and those with elevated symptoms of depression/anxiety setting mental health-related goals is warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).