Impact of stroke on affective well-being: findings from a large longitudinal nationally representative study.

To examine whether the incidence of stroke influences affective well-being (positive affect and negative affect), and whether such a relationship is moderated by general self-efficacy. Longitudinal data from 2008, 2011 and 2014 were used from a population-based sample of community-residing individuals ≥ 40 years in Germany (n = 9,659 in regression analysis). Affective well-being was quantified using the established Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). A well-established scale by Schwarzer and Jerusalem was used to assess general self-efficacy. General practitioner diagnosed stroke was reported. Fixed effects regressions showed that the incidence of stroke was associated with a decrease in positive affect in the total sample (β = –.17, p <.001) and in both sexes (men: β = –.16, p <.05; women: β = –.19, p <.01). In contrast to these findings, the incidence of stroke was not associated with changes in negative affect (total sample; stratified by sex). Moreover, general self-efficacy moderated the relation between stroke and positive affect. Panel regression models showed that the incidence of stroke was associated with a decline in positive affect in the total sample and in both sexes. As the general self-efficacy moderated this association, it may be beneficial to enhance self-efficacy and prioritize coping strategies among stroke survivals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]