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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1994

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Margaret Hegge

Keywords

myocardial infarction, patient psychology, patient attitudes

Abstract

A common catastrophic illness such as myocardial infarction has profound psychosocial impact and requires many adjustments which can affect coping. Nursing literature has identified a correlation between high levels of hope and positive coping methods in other patient populations. Nurses as facilitators of hope have been interested in understanding the impact of hope and coping responses and the effects on patients.
The purpose of the study was to identify the level of hope and its relationship to coping response in the hospitalized post-myocardial infarction patient. The investigation was a descriptive, correlational, nonexperimental survey with a convenience sample of hospitalized post-myocardial infarction patients (n=41). The Herth Hope Scale Index and the Jaloweic Coping Scale were the instruments utilized in the investigation to quantify the data.
Several conclusions were identified in this investigated group. A moderate to high hope level was identified as well as a moderate frequency of coping response. The most frequent coping methods utilized by this group were Optimistic, Confrontational, Evasive and Self-reliant coping methods. When correlating hope level and coping method among all subjects, there was a positive correlation between hope level and the Optimistic, Confrontational and Supportive coping methods. There was a negative correlation between hope level and Evasive and Fatalistic coping methods. Although differences between males and females were identified when correlating hope level and coping methods. Supportive and Optimistic coping methods were positively correlated to higher hope levels in both groups.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Myocardial infarction -- Patients -- Psychology
Myocardial infarction -- Patients -- Attitudes
Hope
Adjustment (Psychology)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

95

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 1994 Vonna Cranston. All rights reserved

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