Looking at Life Differently After a Heart Attack: Post-traumatic Growth in Patients with Myocardial Infarction Cover Image

Kalp Krizi Sonrası Hayata Farklı Bakmak: Miyokard İnfarktüsü Geçirmiş Hastalarda Travma Sonrası Gelişim
Looking at Life Differently After a Heart Attack: Post-traumatic Growth in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Author(s): İlkyaz Kaya Yıldırım, Gülay Dirik
Subject(s): Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Clinical psychology, Health and medicine and law
Published by: Sanat ve Dil Araştırmaları Enstitüsü
Keywords: Posttraumatic Growth; Myocardial Infarction; Heart Attack; Positive Changes; Coping Styles;

Summary/Abstract: Myocardial Infarction (MI), commonly known as heart attack, is the primary cause of death in the world along with other coronary diseases and it is a significant trauma because of its unexpected and life-threatening nature. After traumatic experiences not only psychological problems but also positive changes such as posttraumatic growth (PTG), which is characterized by positive changes in attribution of self, others and the world, are experienced. The current study reviewed literature to combine the findings of empirical studies examining PTG in patients with MI. It is aimed to draw attention to the concept of PTG associated with this common and risky disease and to gain insight about developing psychological interventions specified to PTG in MI patients. Considering the findings, it can be said that PTG is experienced in patients with MI to a great extent and mostly in the manner of appreciating life with changes in world view and prioritizing spirituality. Moreover, MI is related to various variables such as illness perception, social support, socio-demographic variables and personality traits particularly extra version. Besides rationalization, cognitive coping, positive-religious and problem-focused coping strategies contribute to PTG in patients with MI.

  • Issue Year: 10/2022
  • Issue No: 23
  • Page Range: 169-188
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Turkish