Development of a Loneliness Intervention (Part 1)

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is conducting research to better understand the various factors that contribute to loneliness in people with post-stroke communication difficulties and gain input on a new intervention addressing loneliness.

Participants with communication difficulties following stroke who qualify for this research study:

• Will participate in one, 60-90 minute interview (online or in-person) with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and/or a psychologist from the research team

• Will answer questions related to feelings about loneliness after stroke and provide feedback on a loneliness intervention

• May be invited to participate in an intervention addressing loneliness 

• Will be compensated for participating

Care partners of individuals with communication difficulties following stroke who qualify for this research study:

• Will participate in a 90-minute (online or in-person) focus group with up to 10 participants

• Will be compensated for participating

We are looking for four groups of participants:

1. Persons with communication disability:

• Individuals with a diagnosis of aphasia, apraxia of speech, and/or dysarthria subsequent to stroke

• 18 – 85 years of age

• At least 6 months post stroke onset

• English proficiency

2. Care partners of persons with communication disability:

• Spouses, adult children, or other unpaid care providers of participants with a communication disability

• English-speaking adult

3. Speech-language pathologists:

• Training and experience facilitating groups for people with communication disabilities following stroke
• Experience with aphasia, apraxia of speech, and/or dysarthria

• English-speaking adult

4. Psychologists:

• Training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• English-speaking adult