Abstract

This thesis explores speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of, experiences with, and perceived barriers to providing psychosocial support to couples impacted by aphasia. A survey was conducted, with 50 responses analyzed. All participants were licensed SLPs who work in the United States and have people with aphasia (PWA) on their caseload. Participants responded to a portion of survey questions, viewed five short videos of Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training (RC-CPT), then answered a portion of repeated questions to measure the change in perceived confidence, comfort, knowledge, and experience. Results indicate that SLPs perceive counseling to be within their scope of practice and are aware of the psychological distress experienced by PWA. Additionally, SLPs reported increased confidence in counseling couples impacted by aphasia after watching the RC-CPT video vignettes. However, reported barriers to providing counseling to PWA and their significant others included lack of significant other availability, and time/caseload pressures. SLPs reported greater comfort in tasks such as coaching couples on communication strategies and less comfort on topics such as addressing relationship roles and responsibilities or helping couples set goals regarding relationship roles and responsibilities. These findings have implications for SLP training and practice, emphasizing the importance of addressing the psychosocial needs of both individuals and couples impacted by aphasia. Further research is needed to determine the impact of counseling training for SLPs and the development of effective training to increase SLPs' confidence and comfort in counseling couples affected by aphasia.

Degree

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Communication Disorders

Rights

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