Children's experiences following parental stroke: An interpretive phenomenological analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Family Studies
• Neurology

Background:

• Stroke significantly impacts family dynamics and individual wellbeing.
• Children of stroke survivors often face unique challenges and emotional burdens.
• Understanding the child's perspective is vital for comprehensive stroke care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of children whose primary caregiver suffered a stroke.
• To understand the self-perceived impact of caregiver stroke on children's lives, wellbeing, and relationships.
• To identify key themes and challenges faced by children in this situation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).
• Semi-structured interviews conducted with ten participants aged 8-18 years at the time of caregiver stroke.
• Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews to identify group-level themes.

Main Results:

• Children experienced the suddenness of stroke as an overwhelming emotional event.
• Themes identified include 'facing the unexpected,' 'need for family-centred information,' 'redefined roles and relationships,' and 'changed perspectives.'
• Children reported increased vulnerability in caregivers, took on additional responsibilities, and noted long-term personality shifts.

Conclusions:

• Caregiver stroke profoundly affects children's emotional state and family relationships.
• There is a critical need for well-timed, family-specific, and age-appropriate information to support children.
• Information sharing can aid children's adaptation to post-stroke changes in caregiver behavior, potentially reducing relational tension.