| Sumario: | Background: The literature lacks user-based knowledge of young and midlife stroke survivors. This study aims to explore these survivors' experiences regarding the interplay between bodily changes, everyday life and self-perception. Methods: Stroke survivors were recruited in collaboration with Norwegian Vision in Stroke via closed online support networks, and participated in in-depth interviews. Data were transcribed and analysed via Malterud's Systematic Text Condensation, informed by Gallagher's Pattern Theory of Self, which includes bodily, interactional and environmental factors. Results: Ten participants (aged 22–62 years, median age 42, IQR 30–49.75), 2–5 years post-stroke (IQR 4–5), were included. To main themes emerged: (1) The unfamiliar body: participants perceived visible and invisible bodily alterations, including sensory and motor disturbances, fatigue and changed appearance. These changes lead to bodily unreliability, heightened bodily awareness, negative emotions, reduced attractiveness and self-worth. (2) Re-orientation in everyday life: Persistent focus on bodily disturbances dominated daily life, resulting a focus on limitations and a withdrawn, home-centred lifestyle. Directing attention to the present, engaging in successful activities and discovering new life perspectives fostered a positive self-perception and enhanced everyday coping. Conclusions: Impairments following stroke disrupt young and midlife persons self-perceptions as these bodily disturbances necessitate changes in their self-pattern, involving bodily, contextual and interactional factors. Therefore, reorganisation of self should be integrated into rehabilitation by addressing these factors tailored to the individual.
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