First-time stroke survivors and their families face profound post-stroke losses due to abrupt changes in their physical, emotional, and psychosocial health. Yet, post-discharge support is limited, leaving families to navigate these challenges with minimal psychosocial guidance. The Aspirational Rehabilitation Coaching for Holistic Health (ARCH) programme was developed to empower stroke survivors and their families in addressing losses, fostering positive adaptation, and cultivating effective coping strategies for healthy post-stroke adjustment within the community. Dyads engaged in four structured sessions led by trained coach-researchers. Sessions combined psychoeducation and psychosocial support, focusing on post-stroke adjustment, self-compassion, goal-setting, and dyadic coping. Intervention efficacy was evaluated at baseline (T1) and post-intervention (T2) using validated outcome measures: the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS; survivors only), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Modified Reintegration to Normal Living Index (MRNLI; survivors only), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-SP), and Dyadic Relationship Scale (DRS). Twenty-five dyads completed both T1 and T2 assessments. Following ARCH participation, stroke survivors showed significant improvements in well-being (SWEMWBS: Z=-3.23, p=.001, r=.36), resilience (BRS: Z=-3.19, p=.001, r=.36), and community reintegration (MRNLI: Z=-2.22, p=.026, r=.30). Family caregivers demonstrated significant improvements in spiritual well-being (FACIT-SP: Z=-2.01, p=.045, r=.28). Both stroke survivors and caregivers reported gains in positive dyadic coping (DRS (stroke survivor): Z= -2.08, p = .038, r=.29; DRS (caregiver): Z=-2.31, p =.021, r=.30). Interim findings indicate the potential of a standardized dyadic coaching intervention effectively enhances psychosocial well-being and coping after stroke. Further evaluation will explore sustained impact over time.

Authors:
Andy Hau Yan Ho, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Melanie Chng, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Geraldine Tan-Ho, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Muhammed Amin Shaik, NHG Health, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Melanie Chng is a Project Officer at Nanyang Technological University, with an interest in exploring community-based health psychology interventions. Her work is centred on psychosocial dyadic interventions for stroke survivors and caregivers.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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