A Biopsychosocial Examination of Appraisal Discrepancy in Stroke Survivors

Appraisal discrepancy may occur when a person with brain injury disagrees with others (clinicians, family) about the presence or extent of their impairments. Appraisal discrepancy has demonstrated links to poorer rehabilitation outcomes in other clinical populations, but research in stroke survivors has been limited. Using questionnaires and interviews, this thesis characterised how discrepancies present in stroke survivors. It subsequently identified several potential risk factors for discrepancies and found evidence to suggest that discrepancies might be associated with poorer outcomes for stroke survivors and their close others. The thesis concluded with recommendations for assessment and management to improve outcomes of affected stroke survivors.