Adjustment of Middle-aged People with Hemiplegia after a Stroke

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the adjustment process of middle-aged people in Korea with hemiplegia after a stroke. For this study, the grounded theory method was utilized. After constant comparative analysis, the core category emerged as 'rebuilding the body which was ruined'. In addition, the causal conditions were 'restriction of physical function', and 'loss of roles'. The adjustment process consisted of the 'facing reality phase', 'overcoming depression phase', 'overcoming physical limits phase' and 'reestablishing roles phase'. The main strategies in the facing reality phase were 'holding on to a glimmer of hope', 'getting away from the harsh reality' and 'facing up to the reality'. The main strategies in the overcoming depression phase were 'soothing oneself', 'Self-introspection' and 'restoring self-esteem'. In addition, the main strategies in the self-initiative overcoming physical limits phase was 'discovering personal strategies and striving to recover'. The main strategies in the reestablishing roles phase were 'reestablishing a parents' role', 'reestablishing a spouse's role' and 'reestablishing social roles'. In conclusion, even though many middle aged stroke patients remained in the depression phase, most of them who overcame depression strived to conquer physical limits on their own initiative.