Background: Previous research found that greater use of emotion words reflects deeper immersion in a traumatic event, and greater use of cognitive mechanism words can indicate active reappraisal of an event. It is possible that use of more emotion words may relate to emotion-focused coping, and the use of cognitive processing words may relate to problem-focused coping.

Objective: Evaluate the relationship between emotional distress endorsed by persons with stroke (PwS) and use of emotion word vs cognitive processing word in stroke participant-caregiver interviews.

Methodology: In this observational study, PwS and caregivers were interviewed regarding a task completed recently by the PWS and how it impacted their relationship. Participants included twelve PwS (>3 months post-stroke) with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment:10-26) and twelve family caregivers. Dyad-level emotional and cognitive processing was measured as the percentage of emotion words (good, bad, worried, etc.) and cognitive processing words (know, think, etc.) used in a brief dyad interview. Emotional distress was measured using the Neuro-QoL Depression and Anxiety Questionnaires and NIH Toolbox Perceived Stress Scale. Higher T-Scores indicate more distress: Mild (T-Score 55-60), Moderate (T-Score: 60-70), High Perceived Stress (T-Score ≥ 60).

Results: Moderate anxiety symptoms were reported in two PwS, moderate depression in one, mild anxiety in three, and mild depression in four. Five PwS reported high perceived stress levels. Greater use of cognitive processing words in dyad interviews between PwS and caregivers discussing changes in function after stroke was correlated with higher perceived stress levels in PwS, r(10) = .66, p= .020. Cognitive processing word use was not associated with depressive or anxiety symptoms. Emotion word use showed no association with any emotional distress measures.

Conclusion: The findings within this small sample warrants further research to better identify links between word use in conversations and emotional distress in PwS.