LCSH

Caregivers--Family relationships--United States; Cerebrovascular disease--Patients--United States; Marital quality

Abstract

This study examined the pre- and post-injury patterns of occupational engagement for a partner of a man with ABI six years post-injury. The participant was a 64 year old white woman who is referred to by the pseudonym of Olivia. She and Joey (pseudonym) had been married for 17 years pre-CVA, and were still married 6 years post-CVA. Due to the impact of Joey’s CVA on the relationship, Olivia experienced an increase in the demand from her occupational environment in order to remain in her role as Joey’s wife which also impacted Olivia’s pre-injury patterns of engaging in occupations. Three main themes illustrated the changes in her patterns of engaging in occupations: (1) cessation, (2) accommodation, and (3) initiation. The increase in caregiver responsibilities placed on Olivia impacted several areas of engagement. She experienced decreases in time she could spend with friends, work, activities she and Joey did together, times traveling to her cabin, and time with her grandchildren. She stopped several activities like baseball and hiking, and started watching television with Joey, and occasionally falling asleep on the couch. Her desire to master the role of Joey’s wife was strong and supported by several factors, such as length of relationship pre-injury, Joey’s level of function, and being older adults.

First Advisor

George Tomlin

Date of Completion

Spring 2011

Degree Type

Thesis

Format

PDF

URI

http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ms_occ_therapy/11

Language

English

Degree Name

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

Date of Award

1-1-2011

Department

Occupational Therapy

Institution

University of Puget Sound

Share

COinS