Social networks after the onset of aphasia: The impact of Communication Recovery groups

This study measured size and functioning of social networks, communication/social participation, and perceived social isolation/social support for 40 adults with chronic aphasia. Two groups were compared: 28 individuals attending the aphasia group program Communication Recovery (CRG) (Vickers, 1998), and 12 individuals not attending CRG or any other aphasia group program.;Social networks were assessed with a tool developed by Blackstone and Berg (2003). Communication and social participation variables were assessed with a questionnaire based on Participation codes from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) (WHO, 2001). Perceived social isolation versus social support was measured with Hawthorne's Friendship Scale (FS) (2006).;Results confirmed shrinkage of social networks and reduced frequency of contact after the onset of aphasia. Independent samples t tests revealed significantly higher levels of social participation for the 28 members of Communication Recovery aphasia groups.;Independent samples t tests and analysis of covariance revealed a significant difference in perceived social isolation/social support between the CRG and comparison groups while adjusting for aphasia severity. There was significantly less perceived social isolation and greater social connection for the CRG group as opposed to the comparison group. Comparison group participants' mean score was in the isolated/low level social support range. Analysis of covariance confirmed that the significant difference between CRG and comparison groups on the Friendship Scale remained when most demographic, physical, previous amount of therapy, concurrent college speech-language therapy attendance, and pre-aphasia social network variables were held constant.;Multiple regression analyses using the Stepwise procedure to predict perceived social isolation versus social support for individuals with aphasia produced a strong, significant model with the following predictors: (1) being able to take turns in conversation with one person at a time, (2) attending Communication Recovery aphasia groups, (3) presence of a mobility problem, and (4) aphasia severity. Both the value of aphasia groups as a social network intervention, and the importance of working on conversational skills were supported.