Date of Graduation

5-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science Education

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders

Advisor/Mentor

Hagstrom, Fran

Committee Member/Reader

Agan, Joseph P.

Committee Member/Second Reader

Aslin, Larry

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the spousal perceptions of a partner with Parkinson’s disease undergoing speech therapy versus a partner with Parkinson’s disease (PD) without any form of therapy. A case study approach was used to complete this research project. Two couples with one spouse in each of the couples having a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease were sought through nomination as participants. The gender, age, and length of time since diagnosis were matched for the individual with PD. One of the couples will have been enrolled in speech therapy while the other couple will have not. A semi-structured interview about living with PD and therapy choices was separately conducted with each of the four individuals. The interviews were audio recorded for later transcription of content. The analysis consists of identifying themes for each of the two couples and will explore how these are similar and/or different.

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