2018 Volume 59 Issue 1 Pages 1-8
The Communication Self-Efficacy Scale (CSE) for family caregivers of those with aphasia is conceptually defined as a scale to measure self-recognition of their ability to provide care and a communication environment to aphasic family members. Awareness of communication self-efficacy in families with aphasic members is a factor that influences the extent to which effort can be devoted tirelessly to communication with aphasics, and can be a predictive factor in the transformation to appropriate behavior.
We analyzed responses to the CSE conducted on 60 family members of aphasic individuals and studied family communication issues by the degree of aphasia severity. We found that self-recognition among families in the severe to moderate group was high for suppressing emotions toward communication difficulty, but was low with respect to conversational environment, use of strategies to increase accuracy, and use of communication tools. Self-recognition for families in the moderate group was comparatively high regarding use of communication tools, but was low for conversational environment and use of strategies to increase accuracy.
For items where self-recognition is low for families in the severe to moderate group and the moderate group, families require support to encourage behavioral changes suited to the communication symptoms of the aphasic member.