Positive psychological states and health behaviors in acute coronary syndrome patients: A qualitative study

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.

Source: Journal of Health Psychology - June 9, 2016 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Huffman, J. C., DuBois, C. M., Mastromauro, C. A., Moore, S. V., Suarez, L., Park, E. R. Tags: Articles Source Type: research