Stressors and coping strategies of patients with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators

This study investigated the stressors of and coping strategies used by patients living with the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator. A descriptive study of stress perceptions and coping strategies was conducted with quantitative and qualitative methods. The Lazarus stress and coping paradigm was used as a theoretic framework. Interviews of 20 subjects revealed a mixture of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies in the physical, psychologic, and social areas. The optimistic coping style facilitated coping best. Nursing implications include fostering the use of mixed coping strategies, including optimism, in living with this device.