Loneliness and Sense of Belonging in Aphasia

Ross, Katie and LaPointe, Leonard and Katz, Richard (2008) Loneliness and Sense of Belonging in Aphasia. [Clinical Aphasiology Paper]

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Abstract

More than 90% of people with aphasia feel isolated, which can lead to physical illness, depression, and suicide. We sought to determine whether loneliness differs between people with and without aphasia, and, if so, to identify treatable factors associated with loneliness in people with aphasia. We found that participants with aphasia were significantly lonelier than controls; that perceived frequency of social support was significantly related with loneliness only in controls; and, that participants with aphasia reported a significantly diminished sense of belonging. No demographic or stroke-related variables were linked with loneliness in our samples. Suggestions for treatment research are offered.

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