A Positive Psychology Group for Stroke Survivors and Carers.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Effectiveness of Positive Psychology Groups for Stroke Survivors and Carers.
IRAS ID
172527
Contact name
Isla McMakin
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, days
Research summary
Stroke is currently the largest cause of disability in the U.K.. Each year an estimated 11, 000 people in Wales have a stroke; of which almost one third do not survive. Of those that do survive over half remain dependent on carers for assistance with daily living (www.stroke.org.uk). Strokes can affect the individual physically, psychologically and socially (de Weerd et al. 2012). A range of common psychological problems that can develop following a stroke include; anxiety, depression, emotional lability, fatigue and post-traumatic stress (van de Port et al. 2006). Stroke survivors report that it is these psychological and psychosocial consequences of a stroke that are the most challenging to cope with (Lanza, p.768, 2006).
The use evidence-based psychological interventions has been incorporated in to the National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke (2012) and The Stroke Delivery Plan Wales (2012) (Royal College of Physicians, 2012; Welsh Government, 2012). Despite the recommendations over 50% of stroke units in England and Wales have no access to psychology services (Royal College of Physicians, 2012). Furthermore, access to psychological support within the community setting is reportedly poorer than that of a hospital-based setting(Care Quality Commission, 2011). Consequently ‘recommended’ psychological interventions cannot be implemented and stroke survivors psychological needs remain unmet.
Group-based psychological interventions are a cost-effective method of increasing access to psychological support. Research has suggested that both wellbeing-based and Peer Support groups are effective in improving stroke survivors psychological wellbeing (Gurr, 2009; Morris & Morris, 2012; McMakin,et al. 2014).
The PI and two service users will facilitate group sessions (5-weeks duration)for community-living stroke survivors and carers. The group will focus on the five facets of wellbeing and optimism. Primary (wellbeing) and secondary (e.g.quality of life) outcomes will be assessed by questionnaire before,after and at one-month follow-up. There will be a matched comparison group of stroke survivors.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0361
Date of REC Opinion
19 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion