“I’m still a me:” challenges and changes to the relational-self following the onset of aphasia, a grounded theory study

People with post-stroke aphasia experience relationship changes which can lead to an altered relational self. The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of a group of people with post-stroke aphasia regarding changes to the relational self. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used. Ten people with post-stroke aphasia were interviewed on two occasions. Participants were 34–74 years old, with aphasia ranging from mild to severe. Data was coded and categorised to identify themes and sub themes. We identified three overarching themes and related subthemes on the development of the relational self. The first was “developing self-knowledge” and involved building knowledge around communication difficulties and needs, personal attributes and life roles. The second theme was “relationship specific experiences impacting the self” which described experiences specific to significant others. The final theme, the “Who am I with Aphasia?” comprised aspects of a generalised relational self, conceptualisations of a life with aphasia and the continuity of the self. The relational self changes over time and is multifaceted. People with post stroke aphasia need to redevelop a relational self and supporting a positive relational self could be the focus of therapeutic interventions. The relational self is an important construct to consider following the onset of aphasia.Clinicians should be aware of potential challenges to the relational self for people with aphasia.Aspects of the relational self are closely tied with interpersonal relationships following aphasia.Supporting the relational self is important for enhancing psychosocial wellbeing for people with aphasia. The relational self is an important construct to consider following the onset of aphasia. Clinicians should be aware of potential challenges to the relational self for people with aphasia. Aspects of the relational self are closely tied with interpersonal relationships following aphasia. Supporting the relational self is important for enhancing psychosocial wellbeing for people with aphasia.