One-third of stroke survivors experience post-stroke depression, but there are currently no official guidelines for supporting them. Researchers aim to investigate whether the wisdom enhancement timeline technique can reduce depression in stroke survivors. The investigators also want to understand how this technique positively impacts mood, identity, self-esteem, and wisdom. The study will involve nine stroke survivors from the National Health Service (NHS) to gain insights into effective ways to support those with post-stroke depression.
One-third of stroke survivors have post-stroke depression. Finding ways to help them feel more positive after such a challenging event can be tricky. Right now, there are no official guidelines on the best way to support post-stroke depression, and research into this is still growing. That is why the investigators want to see if the wisdom enhancement timeline can improve the mood and overall well-being of people who have had a stroke. In this study, the investigators have two goals. First, the investigators want to see if the wisdom enhancement timeline technique can reduce depression in stroke survivors. Second, the investigators aim to discover how this technique brings positive mood changes. The main question the investigators want to answer 1. Does enhancing wisdom through the timeline technique improve psychological outcomes (mood, identity, self-esteem) in post-stroke depressed individuals? 2. In post-stroke depressed individuals, is the improvement in wisdom the first indicator of subsequent improvements in identity, self-esteem, and mood? It is hypothesised that wisdom will improve first following the session where wisdom is applied. This will then be followed by either identity or self-esteem, with mood improving last. To carry out this study, the investigators will work with three stroke survivors receiving care from the National Health Service (NHS). By focusing on this smaller group, the investigators hope to gain insights into the effectiveness of the technique in reducing depression and enhancing the lives of stroke survivors. This study is essential as it could help the investigators understand the best way to support those with post-stroke depression.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
3
The proposed intervention consists of six sessions. In Session One, the focus is on building rapport, assessing individual difficulties, setting client-focused goals, and introducing the timeline. Participants complete timeline examples during the session and as homework. In Session Two, psychoeducation is provided regarding the impact of stroke, addressing changes in identity and associated feelings of grievance. Session Three onwards introduces active change methods, encouraging reflection on complex life events. The aim is to promote resilience, meaning, self-compassion, and self-acceptance by exploring past coping strategies and finding significance in events of regret. This framework aims to enhance research on complex interventions, considering efficacy, effectiveness, theory-based approaches, and systems perspectives.
University of East Anglia
Norwich, United Kingdom
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - Mood
A single-item Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess mood, rated daily on a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "worst possible mood" and 10 indicates "best possible mood." Three participants recorded their rating once each day throughout the trial.
Time frame: Daily during baseline phase and intervention phase (total of 8-10 weeks depending on baseline length)
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - Identity
A single-item Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess identity, rated daily on a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "a disconnect from who they are" and 10 indicates "complete connection." Three participants recorded their rating once each day throughout the baseline and intervention phases.
Time frame: Daily during baseline phase and intervention phase (total of 8-10 weeks depending on baseline length)
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - Wisdom
A single-item Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess Wisdom, rated daily on a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "low wisdom" and 10 indicates "high wisdom." Participants recorded their rating once each day throughout the baseline and intervention phases.
Time frame: Daily during baseline phase and intervention phase (total of 8-10 weeks depending on baseline length)
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - Self-esteem
A single-item Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess self-esteem, rated daily on a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "low self-esteem" and 10 indicates "high self-esteem." Participants recorded their rating once each day throughout the baseline and intervention phases.
Time frame: Daily during baseline phase and intervention phase (total of 8-10 weeks depending on baseline length)
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 is a 9-item self-report measure assessing the severity of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. Each item is scored from 0 ("not at all") to 3 ("nearly every day"), producing a total score between 0 and 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.
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Time frame: Baseline to end of 6-week intervention phase