City Research Online

Abstract

Background and aims: Improved language function and participation in conversation are important to people with aphasia. While words to target in aphasia therapies have been explored in research, the topics that feature in real-life conversations of people with aphasia have not. Supporting wellbeing through PEeR Befriending (SUPERB) was a feasibility trial that explored peer befriending for people with aphasia. As part of the trial, data were collected on the conversations that peer befrienders had with people with aphasia. The aim of the current study was to explore the topics discussed within these conversations.

Methods: People with aphasia were trained as peer befrienders (n=10) and delivered a peer befriending intervention to people with aphasia recently discharged from hospital into the community (n=28). Peer befrienders visited a person with aphasia up to six times over a 4-month period. For 20 dyads, one of the six visits was videorecorded. These 20 visits were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework Analysis to identify topics discussed.

Results and main contribution: Topics discussed covered five main areas: (1) stroke, aphasia and health; (2) shared stories; (3) friends and family; (4) within visit activities; (5) everyday activities and interests.

Conclusions and implications: Having a clearer understanding of the topics that are discussed by people with aphasia with peers may inform materials, tasks and discussion topics in aphasia therapies. Therapy can be focused on topics that are likely to facilitate participation in conversation, reflecting what people want from therapy post-stroke.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2026 Taylor & Francis. This is the accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis. Please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions for information on re-use.
Publisher Keywords:	Stroke, aphasia, peer-befriending, befriender, intervention, conversation, psychosocial
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Allied Health
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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