Evaluating psychosocial support groups for spouses of aphasic people

There is relatively little research into the psychological problens experienced by spouses of aphasic adults. The indication is that spouses experience severe psychological and social problens which require intervention (Muller and Code, 1983). Studies in the field of social support suggest that structured group intervention is an effective means of buffering or reducing problens of psychosocial wellbeing (Levy, 1982). However, there have been no enpirical studies which have systanatically evaluated whether support groups are effective in ameliorating distress in spouses of aphasics. This study confirms enpirically with three separate cohorts of spouses the findings of previous research. Through indepth research interviews it underlines the importance of the nature of the pre-trauma marital relationship. A series of studies of the efficacy of support groups are reported and data presented which has implications for the managazent of aphasic people and their families. It is concluded that problan focused family support improves the psychosocial wellbeing of spouses and together with knowledge of the pre-trauzna marital relationship, enables the spouse to play a more active role in improving patterns of cainunicatibn