The Relationship Between Perceived Self-Efficacy, Social Network Composition, and Individual Aphasia Group Participation Among Persons with Aphasia

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between individual social networks, perceived self-efficacy, and individual aphasia group participation among five community-dwelling persons with aphasia. Standardized self-efficacy measures were completed, aphasia group participation was described, and social network analysis was conducted using the social network convoy model (Antonucci & Akiyama, 1987; Cruice, et al., 2006). Bivariate analysis using non-parametric measures revealed no association among variables. Despite self-efficacy scores that were within normal limits for a sample, non-aphasic population, participants in this study reported fewer members in their social networks in comparison to previously published social network data for those without aphasia. Interestingly, despite robust participation in aphasia group networks, social network membership comprised of others with aphasia represented a scant, and in some participants an absent, representation. Keywords: aphasia, social networks, self-efficacy, aphasia group