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Myocardial infarction: survivors’ and spouses’ stress, coping, and support
Author(s) -
Stewart Miriam,
Davidson Karina,
Meade Darlene,
Hirth Alexandra,
Makrides Lydia
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2648.2000.01454.x
Subject(s) - social support , coping (psychology) , spouse , psychosocial , emotional support , psychology , myocardial infarction , clinical psychology , medicine , psychiatry , psychotherapist , sociology , anthropology
Myocardial infarction: survivors’ and spouses’ stress, coping, and support Despite evidence that spouses play an important role in the recovery of MI survivors, there have been few studies of pertinent psychosocial factors from the perspectives of both survivors and spouses. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to describe stress, coping strategies and social support experienced by survivors and spouses. This study was limited to first‐time MI to focus on a time of uncertainty and transition. Twenty‐eight persons (14 couples) participated. Both survivors and their spouses reported similar post‐MI stresses: emotional impact, lifestyle changes, encounters with health professionals, and their partners’ reactions. Spouses and survivors used diverse strategies to cope with the stresses of MI. Seeking informational support was prevalent. Both spouses and survivors engaged in ‘protective buffering’ of their partners. Couples described deficient support, conflict and miscarried helping efforts within their relationships. Spouses and survivors referred to inadequate informational support from health professionals.