TY - JOUR
T1 - Perceived stressors and coping strategies among heart transplant candidates
AU - Cupples, S. A.
AU - Nolan, M. T.
AU - Augustine, S. M.
AU - Kynoch, D.
PY - 1998/1/1
Y1 - 1998/1/1
N2 - This study examined heart transplant candidates' perceived stressors and coping strategies at the time of placement on the waiting list and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following. Mean stress scores were relatively low at each assessment time. The 4 greatest stressors were (1) having a terminal disease, (2) needing a heart transplant, (3) worrying family members, and (4) undergoing prolonged hospitalization. Total stress scores were significantly higher at 3 months after listing than at 6 months. Mean coping scores indicated that candidates were effectively using a moderate number of coping strategies, the 5 most frequently used ones being thinking positively, trying to keep life normal, keeping a sense of humor, praying or trusting in God, and trying to distract oneself. The 5 most effective coping mechanisms were thinking positively, keeping a sense of humor, thinking of good things, praying or trusting in God, and trying to keep life normal. No significant differences were seen in coping use or effectiveness over time.
AB - This study examined heart transplant candidates' perceived stressors and coping strategies at the time of placement on the waiting list and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following. Mean stress scores were relatively low at each assessment time. The 4 greatest stressors were (1) having a terminal disease, (2) needing a heart transplant, (3) worrying family members, and (4) undergoing prolonged hospitalization. Total stress scores were significantly higher at 3 months after listing than at 6 months. Mean coping scores indicated that candidates were effectively using a moderate number of coping strategies, the 5 most frequently used ones being thinking positively, trying to keep life normal, keeping a sense of humor, praying or trusting in God, and trying to distract oneself. The 5 most effective coping mechanisms were thinking positively, keeping a sense of humor, thinking of good things, praying or trusting in God, and trying to keep life normal. No significant differences were seen in coping use or effectiveness over time.
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U2 - 10.7182/prtr.1.8.3.dv4g92rl153v7583
DO - 10.7182/prtr.1.8.3.dv4g92rl153v7583
M3 - Article
C2 - 9866548
AN - SCOPUS:0031717332
SN - 0905-9199
VL - 8
SP - 179
EP - 187
JO - Journal of Transplant Coordination
JF - Journal of Transplant Coordination
IS - 3
ER -