Abstract
Emotion plays an integral role in communication and has long been considered relevant
to aphasia rehabilitation. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), however, may sometimes
wonder how or whether to address emotional responses. The purpose of this article
was to (1) present a framework that clinicians can use to understand individualized
emotional responses in aphasia and (2) discuss examples of how the framework informs
practical strategies that SLPs can use to provide emotional support to people with
aphasia (PWA). Drawing upon a cognitive–motivational–relational theory of emotions
perspective combined with emerging research in aphasia, I show that emotion impacts
and is impacted by both language processing and social participation, but this impact
should be interpreted in light of individual variability. Personal characteristics,
environmental conditions, and cognitive appraisal, considered within a specific cultural
context, help account for individualized emotional responses. SLPs should consider
interactions among emotional response, language processing, and social participation
in aphasia while recognizing each person's unique perception of the situation and
resources to cope with it. Additionally, the presented framework provides insights
about how SLPs could offer emotional support to PWA. Specific examples related to
harnessing situational demands to improve communication, employing active listening,
facilitating reappraisal, and strengthening social support are discussed.
Keywords
aphasia - emotion - stress - mood - stroke
