Self-efficacy for Stress Coping in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation : A Preliminary Study on the Effects of Psychological Interventions on Elderly Male Patients

<p>Objectives : This study investigated the effects of psychological interventions on coping self-efficacy (CSE) and affective state in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.</p><p>Subjects : Male patients aged 65 years or older undergoing cardiac rehabilitation were classified into two groups : intervention group (n=21) and non-intervention group (n=15). Community-dwelling older adults (n=74) comprised the control group.</p><p>Method : The intervention group received group psychoeducation on stress management and individual interviews during hospitalization. A questionnaire survey regarding CSE and affective states of patients was conducted before and after the intervention and one and a half months after discharge for the intervention group, as well as for the other groups.</p><p>Results : After discharge, CSE in terms of cognition, problem solving, and distractive acting declined in the non-intervention group. In the intervention group, CSE in terms of problem solving and distractive acting was maintained, but no CSE improvement in terms of cognition was observed.</p><p>Conclusion : Preventive intervention is necessary because CSE levels decrease in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after discharge. In particular, interventional approaches to improve CSE in terms of cognition should be considered.</p>