A description of the consequences of aphasia on aphasic persons and their relatives and friends, based on the WHO model of chronic diseases

Abstract The present study aims to describe the consequences of aphasia by analysing the personal accounts of aphasic individuals who have recovered and of a relative or friend. Eighteen subjects were interviewed. The transcriptions of the interviews were analysed using a qualitative methodology. The analysis revealed different dimensions in the experience of aphasia which were classified with reference to the WHO model, i.e. in terms of disabilities, handicaps and coping behaviours. This last dimension was included to cover the reactions that participants reported to various handicaps and disabilities. The results demonstrate that the aphasic participants' language disabilities are the major cause of handicaps; in fact they negatively influence situations involving communication, alter interpersonal relationships, provoke a loss of autonomy, restrict activities and trigger stigmatization. The relatives and friends of aphasic persons also experience handicaps in the realms of communication, interpersonal relationships, responsibilities, and work and leisure activities. Subjects reported that they used various types of behaviour to cope with certain disabilities or handicaps. Most of the coping behaviour adopted by the aphasic participants and relatives/friends alike was associated with means of maintaining communication and relationships, although some behaviour served to stifle communication. Such behaviour is described in detail in this report. The results may further our understanding of the human and social consequences of aphasia, as well as fostering improvements to the therapy provided to persons affected by aphasia.