Abstract
M.A.
The purpose of this research was to compile a psychological
information program on stroke, and to provide this psychological
information to the spouse of the stroke patient.The emotional
status of the spouse of the stroke patient was evaluated during
the intervention.The final goal of this research was to give a
phenomenological description of the experiences of the spouse of
the stroke patient.
The method for collecting data was 1) to evaluate the emotional
status of the spouse of the stroke patient with the POMS (Profile
Of Mood State) inventory before he was exposed to the content of
the psychological information program on stroke.2) The spouse of
the stroke patient was then introduced to the psychological
information program, and any questions which arose were answered.
3) A follow up appointment was arranged for ten days later.
During this appointment the POMS inventory was administered again
to assess the spouse's emotional status after exposure to the
psychological informationprogram on stroke.Any further questions
were answered.Within a framework of identified themes a phenomenological description of the experiences of the spouse
of the stroke patient was given.The most important experiences
were identified as confusion, anxiety, tension, rage,
frustration, tiredness, and feelings of not being motivated and
depression.The phenomenological themes were "Om-te-wees
(Dasein)", "Die wereld", "In-die-wereld-wees", "Om-ingegooi-tewees-
in-die-wereld", "Angs as basiese ingesteldheid tot die
wereld" and "Liggaamlikheid".
The current research was motivated after a thorough study of the
literature on stroke.The literature survey revealed a deficiency
in terms of availability of information on stroke to the spouse
of the stroke patient after the stroke has occured.The literature
survey disclosed that the focus of research has been on the
stroke patient.Research identified the spouse of the stroke
patient as the primary caretaker.Therefore it is important that
the spouse of the stroke patient will have access to
psychological information on stroke to assist them during their
tasks of caretaking.
Certain variables influenced theresults of the present research
project.These variables were 1) the time when the psychological
information was provided to the subjects, 2) the emotional status
after the stroke had occurred, and 3) the extent of information
the subjects received from other resources. During the current research project the subjects confirmed the
value of the availability of psychological information on
stroke.The psychological information on stroke is important in
assisting the spouse of the stroke patient during their tasks of
caret•king.The psychological information on stroke provides the
spouse of the stroke patient with 1) a better understanding of
the stroke patient, 2) knowledge of what to expect after a stroke
had occured, and 3) realistic goals for the future.