Belonging: a qualitative, longitudinal study of what matters for persons after stroke during the one year of rehabilitation.

Abstract

To investigate the meaning of acting with others, in different places over the course of 1 year post-stroke. Qualitative interviews with 9 persons, age range 42-61 years (7 persons with cerebrovascular accident and 2 with subarachnoidal haemorrhage) over the course of a year (i.e. 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Four categories were identified from the analysis of the participants' experiences during the year of rehabilitation: (i) not recognized as the person I am; (ii) the burden of burden; (iii) inspiration and belonging through acting with others; (iv) reality adjustment through acting with others. From these categories a core category emerged: a process of belonging for integration. The 4 categories identified suggest that belonging is integral to participation, which is viewed as the goal of rehabilitation.