Partner’s perceptions of aphasia on communication interaction in their relationship

Abstract

Background: Aphasia can cause changes in a relationship as communication forms the basis of interactions. Reduced talking and sharing of thoughts may result in emotional disconnection, or alternatively, partners may grow closer as they support each other through challenging experiences.

Method: This case series design included five dyads where one of the partners has chronic stroke-related aphasia. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted along with a short paper-based survey.

Results: Three main themes developed from thematic analysis: changes in aspects of conversation interaction in couples with aphasia; communication challenges experienced by couples with aphasia and their attempts to resolve it; conflict experienced by couples with aphasia and perceptions of their partners’ support. All couples have perceived a shift in listener-speaker ratios and decreased engagement on emotionally significant topics since the onset of aphasia. Couples are making efforts to improve their communication interaction, but the majority still experience difficulties in successful resolution of communication breakdowns.

Conclusions: Aphasia alters communication interactions between persons with aphasia and significant others. This study emphasises the importance for speech-language therapists to include both partners of the couple affected by aphasia during the rehabilitation process to enhance quality conversation interactions and a balanced distribution of listener-speaker roles. A collaborative framework of care focused on functional approaches to aspects of dyadic interactions may facilitate enhanced everyday communication in couples living with aphasia.