The associations between meaning in life and quality of life among post-stroke patients

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between two types of meaning, adjustment to post-stroke situation, and somatic domains of quality of life in a longitudinal sample of patients with stroke. Data was collected two times, with a 4-weeks interval between Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2). Patients in post-stroke rehabilitation with speech difficulties and atony (N = 89, 46,1% women), aged 25-85 filled out the questionnaire, assessing their meaning in life, the power of meaning making, quality of life. The results indicated mediation effects after controlling for T1 QOL indicators. Patients who reported higher levels of the meaning in life (T1) were likely to report greater adjustment (T1) which in turn was related to better quality of life in somatic domain at T2. Further, patients who reported higher levels in somatic domain of QOL (T1) were likely to report greater meaning in life (T2) which in turn predicted better sense of balance (T2). The meaning in life and meaning-making processes should be taken into account when considering post-stroke adaptation and their quality of life.