Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Murray, Laura L.

Abstract

Stroke, a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, significantly impacts entire family units. While research has focused on stroke prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation, little attention has been paid to the social implications of stroke – particularly its impact on the younger children of stroke survivors. This thesis addresses this gap through a comprehensive scoping review and a qualitative study protocol. The scoping review maps the current literature on the experiences of children whose parents have suffered a stroke, identifying key themes and resources developed and utilized. The qualitative study protocol outlines a framework for exploring the lived experiences of children with a parent who has acquired, stroke-based aphasia. This dual approach aims to deepen our understanding of the unique challenges faced by children impacted by parental stroke, inform the development of effective support mechanisms to facilitate their adaptation and resilience, and contribute to more holistic care strategies for families affected by stroke.

Summary for Lay Audience

Stroke has been shown to have profound impacts. Its consequences are often multifaceted, long-lasting and affect entire family units. The younger children of stroke survivors (those below the age of 18) are of particular interest due to their underrepresentation in stroke-related research. This thesis explores the experiences of children whose parent has survived a stroke, aiming to understand how these individuals cope with the changes brought on by their parent’s illness and the current resources available to support them as they navigate their parent’s recovery. Due to the high prevalence of communication impairments such as aphasia experienced by stroke survivors, understanding how stroke-related communication challenges affected the children of stroke survivors was also of interest.

To investigate the lived experiences of children whose parent had had a stroke, a scoping review method was used to systematically search, select, and summarize existing studies on the topic of interest. The findings revealed that children of stroke survivors, regardless of age, often experience emotional turmoil and role changes within the family, feel as though they lack support from healthcare professionals, and report some form of communication impairment experienced by their stroke-surviving parent. The importance of providing children with age-appropriate resources and the need for tailored support were highlighted; social supports such as financial assistance and respite for adult child caregivers were recommended and future areas for research were proposed.

The thesis also outlines a framework for exploring the lived experiences of children whose parent has acquired, stroke-based aphasia using qualitative research methods. Recruitment strategies to facilitate research with the population of interest and resources such as an interview guide and instructions for completing a visual image activity were provided.

The conclusions of this research stress the urgent need for healthcare providers and policymakers to consider the unique needs of children affected by parental stroke. By doing so, better support for the emotional and practical challenges associated with having a stroke-surviving parent can be offered. The research underscores the importance of a holistic, family-centered approach to stroke care and the need for further studies to explore this underrepresented population.

Download

Share

COinS