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This study examined the coping strategies and life satisfaction of 73 elderly couples
at 6–12 months after a cerebrovascular accident. Instruments included the Life Satisfaction
Index A, the Ways of Coping Scale, and the Gulick Activity of Daily Living Scale.
A series of mixed model analyses of variance were performed. A single significant
main effect was obtained for the variable, Seeking Social Support. Stroke survivors
were less likely to use Seeking Social Support coping strategies than were their spouses.
Correlations indicated that survivors manifested more positive affect when (a) they
did not use Accepting Responsibility coping strategies; (b) they did not use Escape-Avoidance
coping strategies; (c) their spouse did not use Escape-Avoidance; and (d) their spouses
used fewer Planful Problem Solving coping strategies. Survivors were more likely to
express satisfaction with past actions to the extent that (a) the survivor's spouse
did not use Confrontive Coping strategies and (b) the survivor's spouse did not indicate
using Planful Problem Solving coping strategies. The spouse's affect was positive
to the extent that he or she did not use Escape-Avoidance coping strategies. More
positive affect in stroke survivors was noted when their functional skills allowed
them to do more independent activities of daily living. These relationships remained
constant regardless of the functional skill of the survivor. The study supports the
idea that groups with a psychoeducational component would provide useful social support
and coping alternatives. Continued rehabilitation efforts to improve daily living
skills are recommended.
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© 1993 Published by Elsevier Inc.
