The Daughter–Mother Relationship in the Presence of Aphasia: How Daughters View Changes Over the First Year Poststroke

Abstract

In this study we explored daughters’ perceptions of changes in their relationship with their mother who became aphasic as a result of stroke. Four daughters of aphasic women were each interviewed qualitatively at three different times over the course of a year, and their discourse was transcribed and analyzed. A conceptual model of dynamic relationship changes was drawn, showing how the daughters’ perceptions of maternal fragility, problems and/or abilities motivated protective and/or trusting behaviors that resulted in maternal reactions of satisfaction and/or dissatisfaction that, in turn, reinforced the daughters’ initial perceptions. Results also showed that daughter—mother relationship changes followed four distinct yet coexisting patterns. Aphasia and communication limitations explained many relationship changes. When communication was avoided or perceived to be too difficult, daughters were limited in the means they could use to adjust their relationship with their mother.