Assessing adaptive and maladaptive coping in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction

We assessed retrospectively symptom management behaviors among 45 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Cluster analysis was conducted on data from the Structured Interview (SI), in order to group patients according to the global TABP, Anger-In, Potential for Hostility, and a newly derived measure of Behavioral Compensation for Stress (BEH-COMP). Two groups were identified. MALADAPT SI-copers (N = 24) had higher scores on Anger-In and Hostility and lower scores on BEH-COMP in comparison to the ADAPT SI-copers (N = 21), while no difference was observed on TABP. The SI groups were next compared on AMI symptom management behaviors. A hierarchical discriminant analysis found that the MALADAPT group reported greater distraction from AMI symptoms, were relief-seeking behavior, and greater perceived vulnerability to reinfarction. AMI coping behaviors correlated meaningfully with delay in seeking medical assistance. Further research is warranted, given the potential for using the ADAPT/MALADAPT SI-profiles to predict adjustment to AMI.