The lived experiences of stigma among stroke survivors in a peer group

Bracho, María-José, Salas, Christian, Ayden, Jordan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2820-7748 and Gracey, Fergus ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1416-7894 (2026) The lived experiences of stigma among stroke survivors in a peer group. Disability and Rehabilitation, 48 (11). pp. 3470-3490. ISSN 0963-8288

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Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative study explored how participation in a peer support group influences the internalization of stigma, stigma management, and social identity among people with brain injury.  Methods: The sample included seven members of Amigos de la Esperanza, a peer group for stroke survivors in Chile. Data were collected through two focus groups and seven in-depth interviews exploring experiences of stigma and group participation. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.  Results: Participants described experiencing public stigma through misinformation, negative labels, social distancing, and patronizing attitudes. These interactions contributed to self-stigma, shaped by negative self-perceptions, self-criticism, and feelings of sadness, shame, anger, and guilt. Participation in the group helped counteract negative effects of stigma by fostering positive self-perception, emotional well-being and a more compassionate inner dialogue, enabling a positive reconstruction of identity beyond illness.  Conclusions: The internalization of stigma after brain injury is not solely an individual experience but develops within social interactions. Peer groups may function as collective spaces for managing stigma and promoting identity reconstruction, offering long-term, low-cost benefits beyond clinical care. Implementing these community-based interventions in Chile and Latin America can improve rehabilitation outcomes and social reintegration for people with brain injury.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	acquired brain injury,patient and public involvement,community-based rehabilitation,peer support,public stigma,self-stigma,social identity,rehabilitation ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2742
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Mental Health and Social Care (fka Lifespan Health)
Related URLs:	https://www.scopus.com/pages/publication...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	14 Jul 2026 10:40
Last Modified:	19 Jul 2026 05:33
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/103842
DOI:	10.1080/09638288.2025.2593201

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