What influences a stroke survivor's motivation? Learn more about how health beliefs, self-confidence, and social support are key to maintaining your drive to achieve.

Staying Motivated After Stroke

From dietary changes to new medications and exercise regimens, stroke survivors
receive countless lifestyle recommendations from their healthcare team.
Survivors are often left confused about how to prioritize and implement this
advice. They might not feel capable of additional routine changes if they are
also adjusting to different physical abilities and difficult emotions following
stroke.

Whether one is contemplating or committed to a health decision, understanding
the psychology behind motivation can help remove obstacles in the path towards
change.



The Three Parts of Motivation for Healthy Changes:
 1. Health Beliefs
 2. Self-Confidence
 3. Social Support

Health Beliefs
What we know about our health influences the choices we make to care for
ourselves. Someone who is less informed about their health conditions might not
make medical decisions the same way someone who has greater awareness will. For
example, a stroke survivor might not follow the doctor's advice to take blood
pressure medication consistently because they do not fully understand the
consequences. They might view barriers to refilling the medication as greater
than the risks of not doing so. This individual would likely be more motivated
to refill the prescription if they knew that they were in imminent danger
without it.

 * How to get stroke-savvy: Stay educated on staying healthy after stroke
   [http://https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-risk-factors/stroke-risk-factors-you-can-control-treat-and-improve] 
   to ensure that you are performing a thorough cost-benefit analysis when
   making lifestyle decisions. Discuss your concerns with your healthcare
   providers if you are bogged down by barriers to their suggestions. They can
   work with you to come up with solutions or provide additional information
   that might make a difference in your motivation.



Self-Confidence
Belief in yourself is the strongest predictor of behavioral change. But, your
confidence may be disrupted as a result of a stroke, especially if it results in
changes to your body or mind. Stroke survivors may feel discouraged by thoughts
of their previous performance before the stroke or comparisons to able-bodied
peers. Low self-confidence might cause them to avoid the activity altogether.

 * How to feel more confident and capable: Consult printed and internet
   resources to improve awareness of how other stroke survivors engage in your
   desired habits. Many organizations offer groups and classes specifically for
   participants with stroke or disability
   [https://www.stroke-rehab.com/Adaptive-Fitness-Centers.html]. Survivor
   bloggers may have already problem-solved difficult scenarios you are facing
   [https://retrainyourbrain.ca/]. Avoid unjust comparisons to yourself
   pre-stroke or others around you. Instead, focus on your achievements in the
   present.



Social Support
A reliable network of friends or family is associated with better health
outcomes throughout life. Stroke survivors often receive advice to build up
social support networks after returning from the hospital, a time when it may
seem difficult to reconnect with old contacts. Even with an existing support
network, some survivors may still feel alone in addressing their goals if they
do not feel like anyone can relate to their situation.

 * How to increase connections: Draw upon readily-available contacts by reaching
   out to those in your personal life. The more people you notify of your
   desires to change, the more that will check-in about your progress. For
   stroke-specific connections, consider joining an in-person
   [https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder] or online support
   group [http://www.thestrokechannel.tv/lifeafterstroke.html] to learn and grow
   with like-minded survivors. You might feel more motivated to take on a new
   habit with the backing of your support network, and it will be easier to
   stick with it with them cheering you on!

Ultimately, motivation stems from both internal and external sources. When
making or maintaining a change seems difficult, remember that building up
yourself and turning to your social network can give you the answers,
self-confidence, and support you need to achieve your goals!

References

Kelly, Robert B., et al. “Prediction of Motivation and Behavior Change Following
Health Promotion: Role of Health Beliefs, Social Support, and Self-Efficacy.”
Social Science & Medicine, vol. 32, no. 3, 1991, pp. 311–320.,
doi:10.1016/0277-9536(91)90109-p.

Hardcastle, Sarah J., et al. “Motivating the Unmotivated: How Can Health
Behavior Be Changed in Those Unwilling to Change?” Frontiers in Psychology, vol.
6, 2015, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00835.

Simpson, Lisa A, et al. “Exercise Perceptions among People with Stroke: Barriers
and Facilitators to Participation.” International Journal of Therapy and
Rehabilitation, vol. 18, no. 9, 2011, pp. 520–529.,
doi:10.12968/ijtr.2011.18.9.520.

All information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be
considered a substitute for professional medical advice. All links to external
entities beyond NEOFECT are for purposes of resource provision only and do not
constitute paid or unpaid endorsements.