Stress, burnout and coping: differences between women with coronary heart disease and healthy matched women

Stress is becoming more significant for women, along with the increasing number of women in the workforce. The present study compared women with respect to burnout and coping abilities, and related to the impact of educational level on differences in coping strategies. Women with coronary heart disease reported a higher level of burnout and had the highest scores demonstrating lack of coping, which indicates lesser coping abilities. Differences concerning strain reduction, self-control and emotional distancing are discussed in terms of living conditions. We also discuss that in order to optimize the outcome of rehabilitation and prevention we need more research on women, of women and especially from women's point of view.