The longitudinal relationship between acceptance and anxiety and depression in people who have had a stroke

OBJECTIVES: The role that acceptance may play in anxiety and depression has received little attention in stroke, unlike other chronic conditions. This study aimed to clarify whether acceptance of a stroke is related to anxiety and depression post-stroke when controlling for social support. DESIGN: A longitudinal design was employed with 35 participants completing measures at two time points: three-month and nine-month post-stroke. METHODS: Forty-one stroke patients, who were three-month post-stroke, were recruited from a stroke service register. Participants completed measures of anxiety, depression, social support and acceptance at two time points, six months apart. RESULTS: Acceptance was moderately and negatively correlated with anxiety and depression at three- and nine-month post-stroke. Acceptance showed a moderate and positive correlation with emotional and practical social support at Time 1 but not at Time 2. Acceptance at Time 1 was a stronger predictor of both anxiety and depression at Time 2 than emotional or practical social support. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptance is an important area to consider in relation to rehabilitation and adjustment following a stroke.