Document Type

Report

College

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Department

Occupational Therapy

Degree

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Report Date

5-2026

Faculty Mentor

Morin, Alexis M.F.

Doctoral Experiential Coordinator

Latour, Debra

Abstract

To meet an individual’s needs in healthcare, all aspects of their challenges and strengths must be considered. This project titled Connecting Minds: A Stroke Survivor Support Group to Promote Mental Health and Quality of Life, will discuss the outcomes of a 6-week educational support group. The American Stroke Association (2024), states that 30% of stroke survivors develop post-stroke depression. If left untreated, it can affect quality of life, intervene with recovery, and can be underdiagnosed if not detected early on. Stroke survivors receive minimal support and consideration for mental health post-stroke. When an individual experiences a stroke, an interruption of blood flow to the brain occurs. Common symptoms include a sudden onset of weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis or hemiplegia), difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia), sudden confusion, trouble with coordination and balance, vision problems, severe headache, and loss of consciousness (Gibson et al., 2022). Many survivors develop mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety post-stroke. Five participants from the Westfield Senior Center participated in a 6-week educational stroke support group consisting of weekly 60-minute sessions. Pre- and post-surveys were implemented to gather both quantitative and qualitative data and to be used to create materials based on the needs of the population. Qualitative data indicated their knowledge of post-stroke care, how their mental health was considered in their recovery, and topics survivors wanted to learn about. While the quantitative data indicated their symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress as well as demographics. This demonstrates the impact of an educational support group for a population who may not have received the best quality of care post-stroke and consideration for their mental health.

Keywords: stroke survivors, support group, health management, education, social participation

Download

Share

COinS