Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the meaning of confidence to stroke patients after stroke
in order to inform the development of a measurement tool.
DESIGN: Qualitative
interview study using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). METHODS:
Ten stroke survivors were purposively selected from those participating in a
multi-centre randomised trial of outdoor mobility rehabilitation. Interviews
about confidence were conducted in participants' homes, audio recorded and
transcribed verbatim. RESULTS: Six themes emerged from the analysis. These were
loss of identity, fear, social confidence, role confidence, mastering skill and
attitudes and beliefs. Loss of identity was particularly evident in the early
stages of stroke recovery. Fear was a barrier to regaining confidence and was
associated with avoidance behaviours. Lack of social confidence was a common
problem which appeared difficult to resolve. Life roles motivated participants to
re-engage in daily life activities. Personal attitudes and beliefs, combined with
the attitudes of significant others, contributed to personal feelings of competence. CONCLUSION: This study provides a coherent definition of the meaning
of confidence through the experiences of stroke survivors. Being successful in
gradually re-engaging in activities, including social activities and life roles
helped to establish a positive self-belief. The influence of others, such as
family and friends reinforce self-beliefs. Confidence and self-efficacy appear to
be a similar construct. However, participants in this study also identified a
relationship between confidence and self-esteem. The findings indicate that all
six themes need to be included in a confidence measure to encompass the meaning
of confidence as described by participants with stroke.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS