Experience of Young Stroke Survivors in a Community-Based Peer Support Group
Date
2023-04-28
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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of young stroke survivors (YSS) participating in a community-based peer support program in Calgary, Alberta. There is a lack of research on peer support groups facilitated by YSS themselves, and on the impact of peer support on the health and wellbeing of stroke survivors under the age of 50. Methods: This qualitative case study project was guided by Critical Disability Studies and included five semi-structured interviews with YSS in Calgary, Alberta. Participants were between the ages of 18-50 and had attended at least two YSS peer support activities in the past three years. Following the principles of community-based research, support for this research was provided by the Stroke Recovery Association of Calgary to co-create the research question, methods, recruitment, and analysis of results, along with guiding the development of the implications and recommendations. Results: Three main themes and six sub-themes were identified from the interviews as follows: 1) Feeling normal; 1a) What is normal anyways?; 1b) Why does there need to be a new normal?; 2) Connection through lived experience; 2a) Shared life and stroke experiences; 2b) Mixed feelings when meeting with other survivors; and 3) Perceived benefits of attending the peer support group; 3a) Being accepted by others; 3b) Opportunities for social interaction. Conclusion: This case study demonstrated that there continues to be value in recommending peer support to YSS, especially grassroots groups that are led and facilitated by those with lived experience. Participants experienced connection through shared experiences, as well as supported each other to navigate a world that caters to people who fit societal norms and often leaves them feeling isolated and alone. Keywords: young stroke survivors, stroke, peer support, community engagement
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stroke, young stroke survivors, rehabilitation, disability studies, critical disability theory, peer support, community-based peer support, community engagement
Citation
Morin, T. D. (2023). Experience of young stroke survivors in a community-based peer support group (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.