Positive psychological states and health behaviors in acute coronary syndrome patients: A qualitative study. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huffman, Jeff C; DuBois, Christina M; Mastromauro, Carol A; Moore, Shannon V; Suarez, Laura; Park, Elyse R
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 21:Number 6(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 1026
• Page End: 1036
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: adherence -- coronary heart disease -- health behavior -- optimism -- qualitative methods; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105314544135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

Positive psychological states are linked to superior cardiac outcomes, possibly mediated through increased participation in health behaviors. Trained study staff conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews in the hospital and 3 months later for 34 patients diagnosed with an acute coronary syndrome. These interviews focused on positive psychological states, cardiac health behaviors, and their connection; the interviews were transcribed and independently coded using directed content analysis. Both optimism and positive affect were associated with completion of physical activity and healthy eating in a bidirectional manner. In contrast, gratitude, while common, was infrequently linked to completion of health behaviors.