An evaluation of a social support group for spouses of aphasic partners

A group often spouses with aphasic partners participated in a support group. The group offered both a means of gaining emotional support and, through structured educational activities, relevant information. Comparisons between good and poor attenders on a range of measures of psychological adjustment were undertaken. It was found that good attenders showed significant improvement at various stages on tests of social dysfunction, somatic symptoms, and anxiety, and a broad measure of psychological well-being. Some functional improvement in the partners of good attenders was also noted. It is concluded that participation in a support group is of psychological benefit to spouses of aphasic patients.