Beyond Words: Understanding Grit in Survivors of Stroke and Caregivers

Abstract

Grit is defined as perseverance and long-term focus on goals. Grit may be helpful in surviving stroke for both survivors and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of grit among survivors of stroke and caregivers using health humanities to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experience of stroke survivors. A sample of convenience was used. Phase I (n = 22) utilized the Grit Scale survey. Phase II (n = 6) utilized phenomenological interviews. The Grit Scale survey data were analyzed with SPSS 25. Qualitative data were analyzed with the whole-parts-whole method of Giorgi, Dahlberg, Drew, and Nyström. Grit scores were high for both survivors of stroke (3.77 ± 0.50) and caregivers (3.89 ± 0.51). Themes emerging from the phenomenological interviews included: (a) gritty toughness, (b) challenges, (3) accomplishments, and (4) advice for health-care providers. Survivors of stroke and caregivers embodied high grit levels. Participants articulated the importance of long-term goals despite challenges. Understanding grit among survivors and caregivers may help clinicians develop best practices to better support these individuals.