Exploring lived experiences of body image after stroke and the impact on wellbeing and recovery: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective To explore post-stroke body image experience and enhance understanding of its impacts on wellbeing and recovery. Design Cross-sectional qualitative semi-structured interview study with an interpretative phenomenological approach. Setting Interviews conducted in participants’ homes, using video-calls, telephone or in-person. Participants People treated for acute stroke at two UK hospitals were identified at six months post-stroke and purposively sampled for diversity. Participants were 22 adults (55% male), on average 6.3 months post-stroke and aged 48 to 82 years (median 66 years). Results Two main themes were identified: (1) ‘Body now perceived as an ‘obstacle’ to normality’, comprising three subthemes around altered trust in the body, outward presentation of body image and the likening of body image to that of an older person and; (2) ‘Responses to a new body image experience’, comprising five subthemes around the importance of body image, societal pressures, acceptance/adjustment to a changed body image and positivity through experiencing improvements towards a perceived ‘normal’ body image. Conclusions Regaining perceived pre-stroke ‘normal’ body image and ability to adjust to a new one is reported as important in recovery. We have demonstrated negative changes in body image experience, and it is possible this is a normal part of post-stroke adjustment. Further research is required to determine whether body image experience can be positively influenced by brief interventions such as guided self-help or psychological support to ensure that they do not persist long term.