The relationship between the severity of post-stroke aphasia and state self-esteem

Background : The study of self-esteem after stroke may provide valuable prognostic information of the potential for functional recovery and may also inform the approach to treatment. Hitherto, research into the effect of post-stroke aphasia on self-esteem has received little attention. The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between aphasia and self-esteem and to establish whether the severity of aphasia correlates significantly with the level of self-esteem. Methods & Procedures : Self-esteem was measured with the Visual Analogue Self-Esteem Scale (VASES) and aphasia was assessed with the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB). Assessments were made as soon as practicable after the stroke onset and 3 and 6 months after the first evaluation. Outcomes & Results : Of 51 eligible patients, 40 completed the study. The mean (SD) VASES scores at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-entry were 36.8 (7.6), 37.6 (7.2), and 38.5 (7.7), respectively. WAB scores were 71.3 (22.9) at 3 months and 72.0 (21.1) at 6 months. This compares to a baseline score of 45.5 (26.2). The changes in WAB scores from baseline to the 3 and 6 months post-entry assessments were statistically significant. However, the correlation between the severity of aphasia and self-esteem did not reach statistical significance either at baseline, or at the subsequent assessments. Conclusions : The severity of aphasia does not appear to correlate significantly with the level of self-esteem in the first 6 months after stroke.