Published online Dec 19, 2023. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i12.1096
Peer-review started: September 13, 2023
First decision: September 28, 2023
Revised: October 10, 2023
Accepted: October 29, 2023
Article in press: October 29, 2023
Published online: December 19, 2023
Processing time: 97 Days and 4.8 Hours
The psychological distress experienced by stroke patients can significantly impact their intimate relationships with their partners.
The strain in spousal relationships can further exacerbate the psychological distress of stroke patients and imped their recovery process.
This study aims to investigate whether the level of physical activity in stroke patients influences their psychological distress and subsequently affects the quality of their intimate relationships with their spouses.
Data was collected through questionnaires, and the presence of common method bias was verified using Harman test. The mediating effect analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between psychological distress, intimacy, and physical activity levels. The significance of the regression coefficient was verified using Bootstrap.
The findings indicate that the physical activity level of stroke patients has an impact on their psychological distress, which, in turn, influences the quality of their intimate relationships with their partners.
This study has shed light on the interplay between psychological distress, intimate relationships, and physical activity levels among stroke patients, offering new insights to improve the bond between couples in such situations.
As a single-center study, this research has certain limitations, and other factors may also influence the outcomes. To enhance the generalizability and validity of the findings, further expansion and external validation are warranted.