Comparing factors influencing wellbeing in young adults with aphasia and young adults with developmental language disorder
What is already known on the subject Aphasia and DLD significantly impact social and emotional aspects of life. However, knowledge about wellbeing in young adults with these disorders remains limited. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This research is the first to compare wellbeing in aphasia and DLD. It highlights the impact of several psychosocial factors and clinical characteristics including language on wellbeing, considering whether individuals developed language disorders during childhood or acquired them later in adult life. While there is a small amount of evidence on wellbeing in young adults with DLD, this is the first study to investigate wellbeing in young adults with aphasia. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The type of language disorder may influence wellbeing in diverse ways. Speech and language therapists must evaluate the impact of these disorders on young adults' wellbeing. Rehabilitation should consider both personal factors and external support systems, following appropriate care models. Our findings suggest that aphasia interventions might benefit from focusing on enhancing emotional wellbeing and social networks, particularly in young adults. For individuals with DLD, it appears that the emphasis should be on improving communication skills by addressing functional constraints in social interactions and considering their psychological resources. Further research is needed to confirm these potential intervention strategies. An interdisciplinary approach is essential for optimal outcomes.
Authors
- Katerina Hilari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2091-4849)
- Vasiliki Kladouchou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7949-2244)
- Nicola Botting (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1082-9501)
Institutions
- St George's, University of London (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders
- Published
- 2025-03-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.70020
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.43
Funders
- City, University of London