Tseng, S-T; (2008) The relationships between illness perceptions, social support, coping on mood after first-time myocardial infarction. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine how illness perceptions, social support, and coping influence first-time MI patients' moods after six months post-MI. The second aim was to examine the roles of first-time MI couples' illness perceptions on their own moods. One hundred and twenty six first-time MI patients filled in the questionnaires during their hospitalisation, and 91 of them completed all three assessments during the first six months. Data from 42 first-time MI couples were also collected during the patients' hospitalisation. Thirty-five of the 42 MI couples completed all three assessments during the first six months. Therefore, information from 91 MI patients and 35 MI couples were used for longitudinal data analyses. The results indicated that when comparing with healthy people, first-time MI patients reported higher levels of depression, state anxiety and negative affect. Those held negative illness perceptions (e.g., worse illness consequences, longer recovery time, and worse symptom perception) tended to feel more depressed or anxious. Hierarchical regressions indicated that symptom perception and illness consequence perception were two important contributors of these MI patients' moods. In addition, some types of coping strategies and mood variables were also important. Data of MI couples indicated that spouses were also influenced by the MI event, and they reported higher levels of depression, state anxiety and negative affect. Those couples who both had negative illness perceptions of the MI tended to feel more negative. However, couples' moods did not significant correlate with each other. Hierarchical regression further showed only their own illness perceptions and moods significantly contributed to their own moods. Their partners' illness perceptions and moods did not contribute to their own moods. The finding suggested illness perceptions played important roles on MI patients' and spouses' moods. To improve moods, future studies should focus more on interventions of illness perceptions.

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