Partners’ perceptions of aphasia on communication interaction in their relationship

Abstract

Aphasia impacts relationships by altering communication dynamics, potentially leading to emotional disconnection or, alternatively, bringing partners closer as they support each other through challenges. The study aimed to describe how partners in a relationship perceive the impact of aphasia on their communication interactions. Five couples participated in this qualitative case study design, each comprising a partner with chronic stroke-related aphasia. Initial brief intake surveys were conducted followed by in-depth interviews. Five main themes were constructed through thematic analysis: aphasia alters conversational role dynamics and interactions; couples employ strategies to overcome communication challenges; communication difficulties lead to conflict and hinder resolution; partners of a couple experience diverse emotional reactions to the effects of aphasia; and perceptions of support differ between partners of a couple. Speech-language pathologists play a key role in restoring a more balanced distribution of listener–speaker roles in couples' communication post-aphasia. Understanding both partners' emotional reactions to communication challenges can better equip healthcare professionals to manage these within relationships, ensuring couple-centered care.