Keywords

aphasia, counseling, marriage, communication partner training, relationships, communication, roles and responsibilities

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored the acceptability and impact of Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training (RC-CPT) in couples impacted by aphasia. In particular, couples considered whether discussing their relationship roles and responsibilities was important and relevant to the changes they desire. Preliminary quasi-experimental data regarding perceived communication confidence and the marriage relationship were also obtained.

Method: Three couples participated in RC-CPT across two sessions. Surveys were used to measure communication confidence and the marital relationship before and after participation in RC-CPT. The quantitative findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Couples also participated in a semi-structured interview about the acceptability of RC-CPT, during a third session. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using reflexive codebook analysis.

Results: Quantitative data indicated that participants generally maintained or improved self-rated accessibility, responsiveness, engagement, conflict resolution, and communication within their marriage after participating in RC-CPT. Additionally, individuals with aphasia demonstrated enhanced communication confidence scores. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: (1) “Impact on Communication,” (2) “Impact on Relationship,” and (3) “Impact on Psychosocial Well-Being.” Feedback from participants regarding future development was also included.

Conclusions: The convergence of quantitative and qualitative data supports the conclusion that couples experienced positive changes in their communication, relationship, and psychosocial well-being during the intervention suggesting that RC-CPT has the potential to positively impact both communicative and psychosocial effects of aphasia on couples. Moreover, this study highlights the promise of RC-CPT as a relationship-centered counseling tool, warranting further exploratory and experimental research.

Original Publication Citation

Pertab, K., Harmon, T. G., Sandberg, J., Pertab, J., Evans, W. S. (2024). The Acceptability of Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training for couples impacted by aphasia: A mixed methods pilot investigation. [Advanced online publication]. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_AJSLP-23-00348

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2024-06-05

Publisher

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Language

English

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Communication Disorders

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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