Article

Impairment of language ability, aphasia, can cause barriers to
communication and hence impact on participation in many life situations. This
study aimed to describe and explore how persons with aphasia following stroke
experience engaging in everyday occupations. METHOD: Six persons from Southwest
Finland who had aphasia due to stroke one to four years previously were
interviewed for the study. A modified form of the empirical phenomenological
psychological method was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Three main
characteristics of experiences of engaging in everyday occupations were
identified: (1) encountering new experiences in everyday occupations, (2)
striving to handle everyday occupations and (3) going ahead with life. The
participants had experienced an altering life-world. Engagement in occupations
affected their perceptions of competence and identity, and experiences of
belonging and well-being. It was also through engagement in everyday occupations
that they had discovered and learnt to handle changes in their everyday life.
CONCLUSION: Aphasia can have a long-term impact on engagement in everyday
occupations and participation in society, but conversely, engagement in
meaningful occupations can also contribute to adaptation to disability and life
changes. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Aphasia can have a long-term impact on
engagement in everyday occupations and participation in society. Health care
professionals need to determine what clients with aphasia think about their
occupations and life situations in spite of difficulties they may have
verbalizing their thoughts. Experiences of engaging in meaningful occupations can
help clients with aphasia in reconstructing their life stories, thereby
contributing to adaptation to disability and life changes.

Langue : ANGLAIS