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Published on: November 28, 2025
Coping strategies after heart transplantation: psychological implications
Paula Moraes Pfeifer1, Patricia Pereira Ruschel, Solange Bordignon
1Instituto de Cardiologia, Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia/ IC-FUC, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. paulabmpfeifer@gmail.com
Summary
Patients undergoing heart transplantation utilize various coping strategies, predominantly problem-focused approaches. Psychological preparation enhances active coping, while lack of preparation increases emotion-focused coping, underscoring the need for support.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Heart transplantation is a life-saving procedure with significant psychological implications for patients.
- Understanding patient coping mechanisms is crucial for optimizing post-transplant outcomes and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coping strategies employed by heart transplant recipients.
- To determine the relationship between coping strategies and patients' perception of their disease and the transplantation process.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 32 heart transplant patients.
- Quantitative data collected via the Ways of Coping Scale and socio-demographic questionnaire.
- Qualitative data gathered through interviews with five selected patients, analyzed using Bardin's method.
Main Results:
- All coping styles were utilized, with a predominance of problem-focused strategies.
- Psychologically prepared patients demonstrated increased use of problem-focused coping and social support seeking.
- Patients not psychologically prepared showed a significant increase in emotion-focused coping.
Conclusions:
- Heart transplant recipients employ a range of coping strategies, favoring problem-focused approaches.
- Psychological preparation is linked to more active coping strategies.
- The findings emphasize the critical role of psychological support throughout the heart transplantation journey.
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