Positive effects of illness reported by myocardial infarction and breast cancer patients

Author(s): Buick, D. L., Weinman, J., Booth, R. J.

Journal/Book: J Psychosom Res. 1999; 47: the Boulevard Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford Ox5 1GB, England. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 537-543.

Abstract: This study investigated the positive effects or changes that patients identified in their lives following a myocardial infarction (MI) or breast cancer. One hundred and forty-three patients were assessed in hospital following a first-time MI and 52 breast cancer patients were assessed on referral for radiotherapy. Approximately 3 months later both groups were asked if any positive changes had taken place in their lives following their illness. Patients' written responses to a single open-ended question were read independently by three judges who identified seven major positive themes. Approximately 60% of each patient group reported positive changes from their illness and the reporting of such changes was unrelated to illness severity. The most common theme reported by MI patients was healthy lifestyle change (68%), whereas, for breast cancer patients, it was improved close relationships with others (33%). These results are discussed in terms of the way patients make sense of and adapt to chronic illness.

Note: Article Petrie KJ, Univ Auckland, Fac Med & Hlth Sci, Dept Psychiat & Behav Sci, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland 1, NEW ZEALAND

Keyword(s): chronic illness; coping; quality of life; breast cancer; myocardial infarction; LIFE; QUALITY; SURVIVORS

Zurück | Weiter