“Giving yourself some breathing room…”: an exploration of group meditation for people with aphasia

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

There remains some contention about the impact of meditation on depression and traumatic memories, which can prove challenging when meditating.

“However, there remains some contention regarding impact on depression and traumatic memories that can prove challenging when meditating (e.g., Lindahl, Fisher, Cooper, Rosen, Britton, 2017;Compson, 2014;Miller, 1993).”

• cites Lindahl, Fisher, Cooper, Rosen, Britton, 2017 sourceSupported
• cites Compson, 2014 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Miller, 1993Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Caution should be exercised when using meditation in case trauma or a severe depression is present, as previous studies have reported challenges with meditation for these populations.

“This is noteworthy given that caution should be exercised when using meditation in case trauma or a severe depression is present, as previous studies have reported challenges with meditation for these populations (Lindahl et al., 2017).”

• cites Lindahl et al., 2017 sourcePartly supported

  The Results (Description of influencing factor domains; page unavailable) report that trauma and psychiatric histories were perceived as influencing meditation-related challenges. The Discussion (Relevance to meditation-based programs and centers; page unavailable) says these histories may require modifications to programs. The copy does not specifically identify severe depression as a population for whom meditation poses challenges, so that part of the caution is not established. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

With regards to feeling alert after meditation, this may be reflective of Jha, Krompiger, and Baime's (2007) findings of improvements to the ventral attention sub-system of healthy experienced meditators which resulted in increased alertness or wakefulness.

“With regards to feeling alert after meditation, this may be reflective of Jha, Krompiger, and Baime's (2007) findings of improvements to the ventral attention sub-system of healthy experienced meditators which resulted in increased alertness or wakefulness.”

• cites Jha, Krompiger, and Baime, 2007 sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

The benefit of regular meditation practice on self-acceptance and building resilience, and a sense of calm, were prominent themes.

“however, the benefit of regular practice on self-acceptance and building resilience, and a sense of calm were also prominent themes.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' retrospective accounts of meditation's impact accurately reflect the actual effects meditation has had on them.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Renae described meditation as an opportunity to reduce stress from the day before sleeping.

“Renae also described meditation as an opportunity to reduce stress from the day before sleeping”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Toby reported that he would often fall asleep during meditation.

“Toby reported that he would often fall asleep:”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Laura described meditation as having a 'more general' effect over her life.

“Laura with her meditation experience, described meditation as having a 'more general' effect over her life”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Laura described meditation as a way to escape her hectic quotidian.

“Similarly, Laura described it as a way to escape her hectic quotidian”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Laura expressed a relationship between spirituality and meditation.

“Laura expressed a relationship between spirituality and meditation: 'meditation is a prayer' and that to 'meditate… prayer, to me, they're one and the same'.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

When Cameron was experiencing difficulties with meditation, he described receiving encouragement from Renae.

“When Cameron was experiencing difficulties with meditation, he described the encouragement he received from Renae as:”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The view of engaging in an activity that did not specifically focus on aphasia and did not require language output was seen in Renae's interview.

“The view of engaging in an activity that did not specifically focus on aphasia and did not require language output was seen in Renae's interview.”

May combine two claims.

The concept of meditation being a break was confirmed by Laura and Toby during the member-check focus group and agreed on as part of Derrick's experience.

“This concept of meditation being a break was also confirmed by Laura and Toby during the member-check focus group and additionally agreed on as being a part of Derrick's experience as well”

May combine two claims.

Despite group meditation being important to Toby and Laura, they noted that the process of entering into the meditative state was not dependent on the group.

“Despite group meditation being important to both Toby and Laura, they noted that the process of entering into the meditative state was not dependent on the group.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Cameron found that his mind would keep wandering off to unrelated things during meditation.

“Similarly, Cameron recalled that, 'by the time I'm on to '2' it's all over', and found that his mind would, 'keep wandering off, with football or cricket or anything, anything except what I'm supposed to be doing'.”

May combine two claims.

Perceived psychosocial benefits of meditation were frequent and consistent, especially regarding key themes of acceptance, building resilience, and feeling relaxed, calm and/or alert that extended beyond sessions.

“Perceived psychosocial benefits of meditation, however, were frequent and consistent, especially regarding key themes of acceptance, building resilience, and feeling relaxed, calm and/or alert that extended beyond sessions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Participants generally encouraged each other during focus groups to share their meditation experiences and commented on each other's progress over time.

“As we mentioned above, the general observation was that participants encouraged each other during the focus groups to share their experiences about meditation, commenting on each other's experiences and progress over time.”

May combine two claims.

Meditation appears meaningful to people with aphasia, particularly through its ability to focus away from impairments.

“appears nevertheless to be meaningful to PwA, not least by its ability to focus away from impairments”

May combine two claims.

All participants independently attended meditation sessions, which reduced family access and convenience for involvement, and three participants lived alone.

“All participants, however, independently attended the meditation sessions, reducing both access to and convenience for family to be involved, with three of the participants living alone.”

May combine two claims.

The overall supportive and encouraging nature of the group, along with the shared understanding of aphasia, contributed positively to social dynamics.

“In particular, the overall supportive and encouraging nature of the group, along with the shared understanding of aphasia, contributed positively to social dynamics.”

May combine two claims.

Being part of a group encouraged attendance and one participant reported being reliant on being with the group in order to meditate.

“Being part of a group encouraged attendance and one participant reported being reliant on being with the group in order to meditate.”

May combine two claims.

People with aphasia reported that meditation allowed them to relax, become calm, or feel alert.

“PwA reported that meditation allowed them to relax, become calm and or feel alert”

May combine two claims.

Meditation practice is experienced differently by each person, in both the time taken to engage and preferred techniques.

“meditation as a practice is experienced differently by each person, both in the time taken to engage with the process and in preferred techniques”

May combine two claims.

Meditation reportedly contributed to post-stroke acceptance and enabled a shift from a disability/limitation focus to a progress/strength-based focus.

“Meditation also reportedly contributed to the poststroke acceptance process and subsequently allowed a shift in perspective from a disability and limitation focus towards progress, a strength-based focus.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Laura attributed her use of meditation as a tool to overcome the fear of having another stroke.

“For Laura, she attributed the use of meditation as a tool to overcome the fear of having another stroke”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Chadwick et al. (2011) used investigator triangulation with at least two researchers coding transcripts independently before a consensus review, member-checks with six participants, and assessment of inter-rater reliability of fifty quotations, to increase qualitative credibility, confirmability and dependability.

“Investigator triangulation involved at least two researchers coding transcripts independently before holding a consensus review, conducting member-checks with six participants, and assessing the inter-rater reliability of fifty quotations to increase qualitative credibility, confirmability and dependability.”

• cites Chadwick et al., 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The views of people with aphasia have not been sought to inform meditation research, despite behavioural measurement providing only one level of insight.

“While the measurement of behavioural processes has provided one level of insight into the utility of meditation with this population, to date, the views of people with aphasia (PwA) have not been sought to inform this line of research”

May combine two claims.

Meditation practices are proposed to improve attentional control and to reduce rumination and elaborative mental processing, thereby diminishing mental reactivity to negative or dysphoric emotional states.

“Consequently, meditation practices are proposed to improve attentional control, and also reduce rumination and elaborative mental processing to diminish mental reactivity to negative or dysphoric emotional states (Bishop et al., 2004;Hayes & Feldman, 2004;Kabat-Zinn, 2003).”

• cites Bishop et al., 2004 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Hayes & Feldman, 2004 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Kabat-Zinn, 2003 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

In Luiggi-Hernandez et al. (2017), some participants dominated the focus group discussions, no strategies to address this were specified, and this potentially affected the credibility of results at the group level.

“Unfortunately, however, during the focus groups , some participants were reported to dominate discussions, with no strategies to address this specified in the study, and potentially impacting on the credibility of results at the group level.”

• cites Luiggi-Hernandez et al., 2017Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Dickinson et al. (2017) found significant improvements in anxiety relief, self-image and reduction of emotional reactivity in their single case study.

“Additionally, Dickinson et al. (2017) used meditation instructions following the script of Kabat-Zinn (1991), focusing predominantly on body scanning techniques, to target linguistic-anxiety in their single case study, and found significant improvements in anxiety relief, self-image, and reduction of emotional reactivity”

• cites Dickinson et al., 2017 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Kabat-Zinn (1991)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The cognitive, physical, social and emotional consequences of stroke can have widespread implications for a person's functioning.

“The cognitive, physical, social and emotional consequences of stroke can have widespread implications for a person's functioning (Littooji, Dekker, Vloothuis, Legt, & Widdershoven, 2016;Mukherjee, Levin, & Heller, 2006).”

• cites Littooji, Dekker, Vloothuis, Legt, & Widdershoven, 2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Mukherjee, Levin, & Heller, 2006 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The Garrett et al. (2011) study did not allow conclusions to be drawn specifically about meditation or about people with aphasia, because it included people with stroke who did not always have aphasia.

“this study did not enable conclusions to be drawn specifically related to meditation or to people with aphasia since people with stroke were included in this study, who not always presented with aphasia.”

• cites Garrett, Maarten, Immink, and Hillier (2011) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Meditation can have psychosocial benefits for people with aphasia and may be a positive complementary approach to living with aphasia after stroke.

“Meditation can have psychosocial benefits for people with aphasia and may offer a positive and complementary approach when living with aphasia following stroke.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Participants' retrospective accounts of meditation's impact accurately reflect the actual effects meditation has had on them.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The psychosocial benefits participants attributed to meditation are attributable to the meditation practice itself rather than to other aspects of the group or their lives.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The primary purpose of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is to explore lived experience, or the insider perspective.

“The primary purpose of IPA relates to exploring the lived experience, or the 'insider perspective' (Smith et al., 2009, p. 36).”

• cites Smith et al., 2009Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Meditation practices have been found to improve cognitive and psychological functions, particularly attention and well-being, in healthy people and in people with chronic health conditions including stroke.

“Meditation practices have been found to improve both cognitive and psychological functions related, in particular, to attention and well-being in both healthy people and those with chronic health conditions, including stroke.”

May combine two claims.

Emotional and psychological consequences associated with aphasia include depression, anxiety, changes in self-identity and social isolation, arising directly or indirectly from the stroke.

“In addition to cognitive-linguistic difficulties, emotional and psychological consequences associated with aphasia include depression, anxiety, changes in selfidentity and social isolation, arising as a direct or indirect impact of the stroke (Taylor et al., 2011;Mukerjee, Levin, & Heller, 2006).”

• cites Taylor et al., 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Mukerjee, Levin, & Heller, 2006Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Luiggi-Hernandez et al. (2017) did not specify their member-checking and/or data-triangulation processes, which reduced confirmability.

“Further, the study did not specify their member-checking and/ or data-triangulation processes, reducing confirmability (Luiggi-Hernandez et al., 2017).”

• cites Luiggi-Hernandez et al., 2017Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Luiggi-Hernandez et al. (2017) reported key results of overcoming fear of pain, reduced focus on and awareness of pain, and reduced pain significance.

“Key results included overcoming fear of pain, reduced focus and awareness of pain, and reduced pain significance.”

• cites Luiggi-Hernandez et al. (2017)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

The meditation intervention in Dickinson et al. (2017) increased the participant's willingness to communicate after the intervention and reduced the extent to which negative experiences with disability and aphasia affected the participant's life.

“which increased the participant's willingness to communicate post-intervention and reduced the extent to which negative experiences with disability and aphasia impacted the participant's life.”

• cites Dickinson et al., 2017 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Meditation has received increased attention in aphasia research in recent years, with studies exploring its rehabilitation potential for cognitive and linguistic change.

“Meditation has received increased attention in aphasia research in recent years, with studies exploring its rehabilitation potential in promoting cognitive and linguistic change (Dickinson, Friary, & McCann, 2017;Laures-Gore & Marshall, 2016).”

• cites Dickinson, Friary, & McCann, 2017 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Laures-Gore & Marshall, 2016 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Meditation has been identified as a potential rehabilitative tool for the cognitive and psychosocial consequences of post-stroke aphasia, with some studies also investigating a possible impact on language abilities.

“Considering the range of cognitive and psychosocial consequences in people with post-stroke aphasia, meditation has been identified as a potential rehabilitative tool to target these areas, investigating also, in some studies, any potential impact on language abilities.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Adjustment to chronic illness can be conceptualised as an individual's response to, and journey of, acceptance, accommodation and management of changes across domains of life.

“The process of adjustment to chronic illnesses can be conceptualised as an individual's response to and journey of acceptance, accommodation and management of the changes affecting various domains of their life (Taylor, Todman, & Broomfield, 2011).”

• cites Taylor, Todman, & Broomfield, 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

A strand of research has found evidence that cognitive mechanisms such as attention may underlie linguistic mechanisms, though the extent of this influence remains contentious.

“A strand of research has found evidence that cognitive mechanisms, such as attention, may underlie linguistic mechanisms, however, the extent of this influence remains contentious (Murray 2012;Hula & McNeil, 2008).”

• cites Murray 2012Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hula & McNeil, 2008 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

All five participants attended the first member-check group while only four attended the second; the participant who could not attend reported being satisfied and did not wish to reschedule.

“All five participants attended the first member-check group while only four participants attended on the second occasion; the participant who could not attend the second focus group reported they were satisfied and did not wish to reschedule an additional date or method for checking.”

May combine two claims.

As meditation is also practised in non-clinical populations, it was felt to be normalising and an opportunity to work on something unrelated directly to the stigma of disability.

“Additionally, as meditation is also practised in non-clinical populations, it was felt to be normalising and an opportunity to work on something unrelated directly to the stigma of disability.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Smith et al. (2009) cautioned against focus groups as a way of collecting phenomenological data.

“While Smith et al. (2009) cautioned against focus groups as a way of collecting phenomenological data”

• cites Smith et al. (2009)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Thick description of the phenomenon helps to demonstrate how themes were developed, supporting meaningful and credible results.

“Thick description of the phenomenon helps to demonstrate how themes were developed, supporting meaningful and credible results.”

May combine two claims.

The general observation was that participants facilitated and encouraged each other to share their experience of meditation and commented on each other's experiences.

“The general observation, however, was that participants facilitated and encouraged each other to share their experience about meditation, and commented on each other's experiences.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Curtin Human Research Ethics Committee prior to recruitment.

“Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Curtin Human Research Ethics Committee (HR08/2016-31) prior to recruitment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The interviewer kept a research diary to aid reflexivity and to help bracket preconceived notions, pre-suppositions and personal biases about meditation.

“She maintained a research diary to aid reflexivity in the study and to help bracket preconceived notions, pre-suppositions, and personal biases about meditation.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A pilot interview was conducted with an experienced Speech Pathologist and qualitative researcher to review interview content, style and communication strategies.

“A pilot interview was conducted with an experienced Speech Pathologist and qualitative researcher to review interview content, style and communication strategies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The interviewer had not met the participants before the study but was aware of meditation and its different techniques.

“Regarding reflexivity of the researchers, the interviewer had not met the participants prior to this study but was aware of meditation and its different techniques.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Two focus groups were conducted on separate occasions for member-checking the individual interview data and to explore any new themes in the group context.

“Two focus groups (refer to Appendix B for guide) were conducted on separate occasions for 'member-checking' data from the individual interviews and explored any new themes in the group context.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Non-verbal actions were noted online by the researchers for subsequent interrater agreement of the individual interview data.

“non-verbal actions (i.e., use of iPad, gestures, writing, drawing) were noted online by the researchers for subsequent interrater agreement of individual interview data”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Based on pilot feedback, more probes were added, repetitive or leading questions were removed, and sentence length and rate of speech were reduced.

“Based on feedback, more probes were added, repetitive or leading questions were removed, and sentence length and rate of speech were reduced.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

When group members were dominant in the discussion, they were thanked for their input and the discussion was reopened to the group or directed at a participant who had previously attempted to speak.

“In the event of group members being dominant in the discussion, they were thanked for their input and the discussion reopened to the group or directed at a participant, who had attempted to speak previously.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Attendance of the five participants at the meditation sessions was high and regular, regardless of whether the course was formal or informal.

“attendance of the five participants included in this study was, however, both high and regular, regardless of formal or informal course offer.”

May combine two claims.

Because meditation does not require participants to talk or be physically active, it allowed the participants to shift their focus away from their impairments and focus on learning a new way of being in the moment.

“As meditation does not require participants to talk or be physically active, it allowed the participants to shift their focus away from their impairments and focus on learning a new way of being in the moment.”

May combine two claims.

Meditation may therefore offer an alternative approach to therapy for people with aphasia, facilitating a more positive perspective of the self.

“Meditation may therefore offer an alternative approach to therapy for PwA facilitating a more positive perspective of the self.”

May combine two claims.

This study used focus groups in addition to the interviews as a way of member-checking and validating, and of deepening, the interviews.

“this study employed the focus group technique in addition to the interviews as a way of member-checking and validating, and deepening the interviews.”

May combine two claims.

Meditation is an approach that requires time and is learned, requiring gradual and repetitive practice to adequately sustain attention and enter the meditative state.

“Meditation is an approach which requires time and is learned, requiring gradual and repetitive practice in order to adequately sustain attention and enter into the meditative state.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

It is a finding reflected in the results of other studies, such as that of Luiggi-Hernandez et al. (2017) which considered meditation and chronic pain.

“It is a finding reflected in the results of other studies, such as that of Luiggi-Hernandez et al. (2017) which considered meditation and chronic pain.”

• cites Luiggi-Hernandez et al., 2017Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Husserl's phenomenological method involves setting aside, or bracketing out, one's own biases and aspects of the phenomenon taken for granted, in order to explore how the phenomenon is perceived.

“Husserl's phenomenological method involves setting aside, or bracketing out one's own biases, aspects of the phenomenon that are taken for granted to explore how they are perceived.”

• cites Smith et al., 2009Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Written informed consent was sought using aphasia-friendly information and consent forms provided both verbally and in writing.

“Written informed consent was sought through aphasia friendly information and consent forms provided both verbally and in writing.”

May combine two claims.

Previous studies have shown that although some people with aphasia eventually accept the reality of a chronic illness, the goal of escaping their disability or returning to a normal life is common.

“Previous studies have shown that although some PwA eventually accept the reality of a chronic illness, the goal of escaping their disability or returning to a normal life is common (Worrall et al., 2011).”

• cites Worrall et al., 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The points recommended by Tong, Sainsbury and Craig (2007) were included to ensure full reporting for methodological rigour as established in the COREQ domains.

“The points recommended by Tong, Sainsbury and Craig (2007) have been included here in order to ensure full reporting for the purposes of methodological rigour as established in the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) domains”

• cites Tong, Sainsbury and Craig (2007) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The IPA process described by Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009) was used to guide analysis of each transcript by the primary researcher and an independent peer.

“The IPA process described by Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009) was used to guide analysis of each transcript by the primary researcher and an independent peer.”

• cites Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

These previous studies did not set out to monitor whether each participant was meditating successfully each session through, for example, the inclusion of a qualitative component; the personalised and individual experiences related to individuals learning to meditate were not captured.

“These studies did not set out to monitor whether each participant was meditating successfully each session through, for example, the inclusion of a qualitative component; the personalised and individual experiences related to individuals learning to meditate were not captured.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Dalemans et al. (2010) reported not video-recording interviews to avoid intimidating the participant, and instead recruited an interview-assistant to note non-verbal data and ask clarifying questions.

“Additionally, Dalemans et al. (2010) reported not video-recording interviews to avoid intimidating the participant; the study instead recruited an interview-assistant to note down non-verbal data and ask questions to clarify discrepancies.”

• cites Dalemans et al. (2010) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

All participants knew each other well by the time of the focus groups, so rich insights into the experiences of meditation were enhanced by both the interviews and the focus groups.

“All participants knew each other well by the time of the focus groups, so rich insights into the experiences of meditation were enhanced by both approaches.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Interviews were co-facilitated by an experienced Speech Pathologist, with communication strategies and online clarifications.

“The interviews were co-facilitated by an experienced Speech Pathologist and appropriate communication strategies were implemented and clarifications were sought and confirmed online before moving onto subsequent topics or questions.”

May combine two claims.

Findings further suggest meditation could reduce negative emotional states such as anger and improve mood and the inclination to socialise.

“with findings further suggesting meditation could reduce negative emotional states such as anger and improve mood and the inclination to socialise.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Comments were sorted independently by two researchers and then reviewed for consensus on overlapping or incongruent groupings before emergent themes were labelled.

“Sorting of comments was carried out by the two researchers independently before, being reviewed for consensus for overlapping or incongruent groupings; emergent themes were labelled.”

May combine two claims.

Findings were validated through two member-check focus groups where de-identified findings were discussed with participants, allowing exploration at individual and group levels.

“Validation of the findings from participants were sought at two member-check focus groups where de-identified findings from the interviews were discussed with participants.Agreements, disagreements and new findings were discussed with each individual participant within the group context, which allowed exploration of themes at both an individual and group level.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

In focus groups, the researchers minimized difficulty balancing comments by including non-verbal responses and ensuring all could contribute.

“During the focus groups, we minimized this inherent difficulty with balancing comments from everyone by including the detail of non-verbal responses from all participants and ensuring that opportunities were available for all to contribute to the discussion in the group.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

After steps 1-5, the student researcher collated recurrent themes at group level, and two supervisors reviewed all themes to eliminate redundancy and clarify titles.

“After steps 1-5 were implemented for each transcript, the student researcher reviewed all super-ordinate themes across transcripts and collated recurrent themes at group level to present at the focus group at Step 6.All super-ordinate and emergent themes at group level were additionally reviewed by two supervisors to eliminate redundancy and clarify super-ordinate theme titles.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Confirmability was addressed through repeated clarification in individual interviews and member-check focus groups with PwA.

“The process of confirmability was carried out through the individual interviews through repeatedly clarifying; member-check focus group were conducted with PwA to validate findings from the individual interviews.”

May combine two claims.

With one participant making a clear link between meditation and prayer, this work suggests that meditation may have potential to combine with a spiritual approach, an aspect that has been linked to holistic care and has been previously under-recognised.

“Moreover, with one participant making a clear link between meditation and prayer, this work suggests that meditation may have potential to combine with a spiritual approach, an aspect that has been linked to holistic care and has been previously under-recognised (Mathisen et al., 2015).”

• cites Mathisen et al., 2015 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Finalised emergent themes were grouped under super-ordinate themes independently by each coder and reviewed for consensus.

“Grouping of finalised emergent themes implemented independently by each coder; reviewed for consensus; super-ordinate themes were labelled.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A supervisor expert in qualitative IPA research with PwA reviewed the individual analysis and consensus data from steps 1-4 for meaningfulness and consistency and confirmed appropriate application of IPA.

“A supervisor, an expert in qualitative IPA research with PwA, reviewed the individual analysis and consensus data from steps one to four for meaningfulness and consistency of codes, and confirmed the appropriate application of IPA for each transcript.”

May combine two claims.

This theme of acceptance was also reflected in Chadwick et al.'s (2011) outcomes with bipolar disorder, and improvements in emotional-wellbeing supporting findings reported by Dickinson et al. (2017) in their single case study of a person with aphasia.

“This theme of acceptance was also reflected in Chadwick et al.'s (2011) outcomes with bipolar disorder, and improvements in emotional-wellbeing supporting findings reported by Dickinson et al. (2017) in their single case study of a PwA.”

• cites Chadwick et al., 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Dickinson et al., 2017 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Transferability is limited due to the small sample size, despite inclusion of de-identified demographic data.

“Although de-identified participant demographic data detailing aphasia type and severity was included for each case analysis, transferability will still be limited due to the small sample size.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Interview guides were developed considering recommendations from qualitative literature with PwA and experienced supervisors.

“In developing the interview guides, recommendations from both the qualitative literature with PwA and the supervisory team experienced in qualitative aphasia research were considered.”

May combine two claims.

Meditation can in these instances be counterproductive, causing rumination or resurfacing of the traumatic event.

“Meditation can in these instances be counterproductive, causing rumination or resurfacing of the traumatic event.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Both interviewers took notes on non-verbal information for inter-rater agreement, discussed until consensus.

“Both interviewers also took notes on non-verbal information for inter-rater agreement that were discussed until consensus was reached.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Two researchers independently analyzed each transcript for inter-rater agreement, and an IPA expert supervisor reviewed all analyses and codes.

“Two researchers independently analysed each transcript for inter-rater agreement.A member of the supervisory team who is an expert in IPA also reviewed all analyses and codes to ensure accurate and consistent implementation of the approach.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The interviewer kept a research diary to bracket preconceptions and biases.

“The interviewer maintained a research diary to bracket preconceived notions, pre-suppositions, and personal biases to separate presuppositions from the participants' description of the phenomenon.”