To better understand how social participation is impacted by aphasia, this honours thesis in Psychology investigated the social experiences of five adults with aphasia attending a community program in Peterborough, Ontario through aphasia-friendly interview methods. A thematic analysis revealed key themes in how participants described their social experiences: 1) living with aphasia, 2) barriers to social participation, and 3) facilitating social participation. The research found that availability of social support contributed to participants' ability to participate socially. Negative social experiences and low aphasia awareness emerged as a significant barrier to participants' social participation. The project was conducted in collaboration with March of Dimes Canada - Aphasia & Communication Disabilities Program.
Selected Outputs
Social participation experiences as shared by people living with aphasia
Authors: Erika Snowden, Elizabeth Russell, Tabytha Wells (2026)
Journal of Communication Disorders, 123
Summary: This study aims to provide insights into the day-to-day social experiences of people living with aphasia (PLWA) and how these experiences relate to communicative access. Findings highlight participants’ personal experiences adapting to life with aphasia, barriers to social participation, and facilitators for social participation.
Exploring the social experiences of people with aphasia: Project report
Author: Erika Snowden, Elizabeth Russell (2025)
Trent University
Summary: This Project Report outlines findings from a case study conducted in collaboration with March of Dimes Canada to investigate the social experiences of five adults living with aphasia. Findings highlight barriers and facilitators to social participation for people living with aphasia (PLWA), as well as recommendations for improving social participation among PLWA.
"I'm still the same person": Exploring the social experiences of people with aphasia
Author: Erika Snowden, supervised by Elizabeth Russell
Honours thesis, Department of Psychology, Trent University
Aphasia Resources
Improving social participation for people living with ahpasia: Resource poster
A key finding of this study was that people with aphasia often feel that they are negatively impacted and socially excluded due to a lack of understanding about their disorder. To address this pressing issue, we would like to share the resources below. Please consider taking the time to learn more about aphasia, and how it impacts the daily life and communication of those affected.
Strategies for improving communication with people living with aphasia
Participants in this study identified these key strategies for improving communication with people with aphasia:
What is Aphasia? - The Aphasia Institute
This page provides an overview of aphasia, its symptoms, and its impact. Understanding that aphasia masks competence is the first step towards increasing aphasia awareness and combating stigma.
Supported Conversation for Adults With Aphasia (SCA) - The Aphasia Institute
The Aphasia Institute offers an online, self-paced training module free of charge to healthcare professionals and other individuals who wish to wish to improve their communication skills, contribute to communicative accessibility, and decrease barriers. To access the training, a free account is required.
