The Effect of PERMA model-Based Psychological Intervention on Subjective Well-Being and Post-Traumatic Growth levels in young and middle-aged Stroke Patients During Rehabilitation

Background Young and middle-aged stroke patients face unique rehabilitation-related psychological distress—such as frustration from slow motor function recovery, anxiety about losing family/social roles, and low motivation for long-term rehabilitation—all of which directly hinder physical recovery and post-stroke adaptation. This study developed a rehabilitation-aligned PERMA intervention and evaluated its efficacy in improving subjective well-being (SWB) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in young and middle-aged stroke patients. Methods A total of 120 eligible patients (18–64 years old) were randomized into two groups. The control group received conventional rehabilitation. The intervention group supplemented with 8 structured PERMA-based sessions over 4 weeks—each session designed to address stroke-specific needs. SWB and PTG were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups. Results SWB scores were significantly higher in the post intervention, 1-month post-intervention, and 3-month post-intervention groups than in the control group ( t  = 0.011, 0.000, 0.000; P  < 0.05); PTG scores were also significantly higher at these time points ( t  = 0.007, 0.000, 0.000; P  < 0.01). Repeated-measures ANOVAs confirmed statistically significant time-dependent increases in both outcomes for the intervention group ( P  < 0.01), with no such significant trend in the control group. Conclusions The rehabilitation-aligned PERMA intervention effectively enhances SWB and PTG in young and middle-aged stroke patients during recovery. By integrating positive psychology with functional rehabilitation goals, it addresses the unique psychological needs of this population and provides a feasible, clinically applicable support strategy that complements physical rehabilitation. Trial Registration Registration number of China Clinical Trials Registration Center: ChiCTR2200060103, First Posted date: 18/05/2022