Intimate Relationships and Stroke: Piloting a Dyadic Intervention to Improve Depression

Alexandra L. Terrill, Maija Reblin, Justin J. MacKenzie, Brian R. W. Baucom, Jackie Einerson, Beth Cardell, Lorie G. Richards and Jennifer J. Majersik
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Alexandra L. Terrill: Department of Occupational & Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Maija Reblin: Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
Justin J. MacKenzie: Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
Brian R. W. Baucom: Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
Jackie Einerson: Department of Occupational & Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Beth Cardell: Department of Occupational & Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Lorie G. Richards: Department of Occupational & Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Jennifer J. Majersik: Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, 1-12

Abstract: Stroke affects not only the survivor but also their romantic partner. Post-stroke depression is common in both partners and can have significant negative consequences, yet few effective interventions are available. The purpose of this study was to pilot test a novel 8-week remotely administered dyadic intervention (ReStoreD) designed to help couples better cope with stroke-related changes and reduce depressive symptoms. Thirty-four cohabitating survivor–partner dyads at least 3 months post-stroke and reporting some changes in mood were enrolled. Depressive symptoms were assessed pre- and post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess the effects of ReStoreD over time on depressive symptoms in stroke survivors and their partners. Twenty-six dyads completed the study. Although statistical significance was not reached, there was a large effect size for improvements in depressive symptoms for stroke survivors. There was no significant improvement for partners, and the effect size was minimal. Those with more significant depressive symptoms at baseline were more likely to benefit from the intervention. This pilot study established proof-of-concept by demonstrating that depressive symptoms can be lessened in stroke survivors and partners with more severe depressive symptoms. Future research will establish the efficacy of the intervention in a fully powered study.

Keywords: stroke; post-stroke depression; depression; caregiver; dyadic intervention; positive psychology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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