Table 3 Differences found in identified themes^a in participants with stroke with discordant levels of self-rated health (SRH) and physical disability

Body

These stroke survivors reported a sense of agency over their bodies.

They set goals and were determined in the rehabilitation of their bodies and in improving their physical lifestyles through diet and exercise.

They did not wish to be defined by their stroke and desired to return to normality of physical functioning.

These stroke survivors frequently reported their physical symptoms of pain and fatigue, saw their bodies more negatively and as aged, found rehabilitation hard work and were less focused on making necessary changes to improve their bodily health.

Mind

These stroke survivors, in particular the two with ‘excellent’ self-rated health reported being happy and optimistic about their progress in rehabilitation and their future recovery, as well as having a resilient attitude to setbacks together with the willingness to accept uncertainties about their future.

These stroke survivors often reported poor motivation, low mood and anxiety, and expressed fear-based and negative cognitions regarding the potential for recovery, stroke recurrence, and of decline of health with ageing.

Spirit

These stroke survivors reported a highly independent attitude when thinking about their recovery, drawing predominantly on their own personal strength in the process of rehabilitation. However, number of the stroke survivors with ‘good’ self-rated health but significant disability, relied on God and drew strength from their faith for their rehabilitation, intentionally practiced gratitude and acceptance of their limitations and exhibited altruistic characteristics, looking beyond themselves and their own situation to consider befriending and helping others.

These stroke survivors mostly portrayed less of a philosophical attitude towards their stroke and appeared to struggle to find meaning from their stroke.

Environment

These stroke survivors mostly enjoyed better socioeconomic status and access to financial resources to moderate the burden of ill-health and disability.

They mostly reported supportive relationships with family and therapists who were encouraging.

These stroke survivors reported adverse post-stroke social circumstances such as loss of family and societal roles including with employment and finances.

A few of these survivors reported dysfunctional families. Some reported family members that discouraged them from pushing themselves to complete rehabilitation tasks or activities of daily living on their own for fear of them becoming over-tired or having a setback.