[Coping styles in patients with systolic heart failure]

Inadequate coping with stress, in the course of severe disease (e.g. heart failure, HF), promotes the development of depressive symptoms and disadvantageous behaviours (e.g. non-compliance).

We examined coping styles in men with systolic HF (n=46, age: 60+/-12 years), and related them to clinical status and depressive symptoms. Patients filled-in Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) distinguishing: task-oriented (ZA), emotional (EM) and avoidance (UN) styles of coping. Style 'UN' has two subtypes: engaging in alternative activities (ACZ) or seeking for social contacts (PKT).

59% of patients showed a tendency towards all 3 styles of coping. There were the following prevalences of domination of particular coping styles: ZA (35%), UN (28%), EM (7%). 30% of cases did not show domination of any style. The higher tendency to EM style was accompanied by the greater severity of depressive symptoms, both affective-cognitive and somatic ones (p<0.05).

Assessment of coping styles may be helpful in educational programs or psychotherapy addressed to patients with HF experiencing psychological burden due to chronic physical illness.