Anxiety, depression and coping methods of hospitalized patients with myocardial infarction in Taiwan

The purpose of this study was to determine tbe relationship among anxiety depression and coping methods reported by myocardial infarction (MI) patients in Taiwan. Forty post-MI patients were interviewed in the general cardiovascular unit. A subset of patients (n = 15) had high levels of anxiety and depression, however, most patients displayed low levels of anxiety and depression. A significant, moderately positive relationship was found between anxiety and the use of coping styles Pin association between depression an coping styles was nor found The optimistic coping style of the Jalowiec Coping Scale was the most often used and most helpful coping method described by subjects. Emotional reactions and coping methods were related to age, social class, and actual or perceived severity of MI. Results of this study lend further support for the need to evaluate the presence, intensity and influencing factors of anxiety and depression in the recovery phase of MI. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.