Interoception and Emotional Experiences in Stroke Survivors: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Interoception, the perception of internal bodily states, plays a role in emotional regulation.
• Stroke can significantly disrupt interoceptive processing and emotional experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the interoceptive and emotional experiences of stroke survivors.
• To understand how interoception influences emotional regulation post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive phenomenological study design was utilized.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 stroke survivors in China.
• The Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was applied to qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Five themes emerged: physical disconnection, interconnected bodily-emotional experiences, learning to regulate sensations, social influences on regulation, and socio-cultural expression of feelings.
• Stroke survivors reported interoceptive disorders and challenges in emotional regulation.
• Themes highlighted the interplay between bodily sensations, emotions, social relationships, and cultural context.

Conclusions:

• Stroke survivors frequently experience interoceptive dysfunction, significantly linked to emotional state.
• Cultural cognition and social support are critical factors influencing these experiences.
• Findings emphasize the need for integrated care addressing both physical and emotional aspects of stroke recovery.