Article

It is important for professionals working with individuals with acquired
neurogenic communication disorders to consider their clients' psychological
well-being. Much is known about the significant emotional, social and
psychological consequences of aphasia after stroke; however, little is known
about the individuals' psychological well-being. This article reports the
psychological well-being of community-dwelling older adults with chronic aphasia
in the context of their unaffected peers. METHOD: Thirty participants who were
affected by aphasia and 75 unaffected participants completed the 24-item measure
'How I feel about myself' (drawn originally from Ryff C. Happiness is everything,
or is it? Explorations on the meaning of well-being. J Pers Soc Psychol
1989;57:1069-1081) and the 'Geriatric Depression Scale' (GDS) (Sheik J, Yesavage
J. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): recent evidence and development of a shorter
version. Clin Gerontol 1986;5:165-172). RESULTS: Individuals with aphasia after
stroke had a statistically similar range and average psychological well-being as
the unaffected population, with the exception of lower environmental mastery
(independence) and lower mood. There was a range of well-being, suggesting that a
number of individuals (affected and unaffected) had low positive psychological
well-being. Many individuals with aphasia also reported restricted physical
functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Many persons with chronic aphasia need support to
manage the demands and responsibilities of their everyday lives and raise their
mood. Clinicians need to be aware of this possibility and formally assess all
persons with aphasia, as well as explore the potential impact of physical
limitations. Identifying low well-being in older adults is important for all
professionals working with the ageing population. The implications for speech and
language therapy and for multi-disciplinary research and cross-sector joint
working (health, social and community services) are discussed.

Langue : ANGLAIS