Connections that Care: WhatsApp as a Support Space for Stroke Survivors

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with consequences that impact physical, mental and emotional health, and social life of survivors. Social support is fundamental to promote rehabilitation and quality of life of stroke survivors. Objective: investigate the impact of therapeutic groups in promoting social support and well-being among stroke survivors, as well as to understand how therapeutic writing, mediated by WhatsApp, can contribute to strengthening group dynamics. Methods: a systematic literature review in different databases, on B-on, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. Results: therapeutic groups are crucial in improving quality of life and providing emotional support, self-reflection, and interpersonal relationships. Digital technologies, such as WhatsApp, are effective in facilitating communication and mitigating social isolation, benefiting survivors and their caregivers. At the same time, Therapeutic Writing has proven to be a valuable strategy for emotional expression, contributing to resilience and intragroup cohesion. Conclusion: Integrating digital technologies in rehabilitation is promising, offering new possibilities for inclusive and effective interventions. Innovative and multidisciplinary approaches that use accessible technologies and maximize the support and well-being of stroke survivors and caregivers are one of the avenues for future research.