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Cynical Mistrust and the search for self-worth
A F Fontana1, R D Kerns, S J Blatt
1West Haven Veterans Administration Medical Center, Connecticut.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Cynical Mistrust differentiates patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) history. High cynical mistrust correlates with specific personality traits, and surprisingly, dependency in CHD patients, suggesting potentiating factors for disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cardiology
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) poses a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding psychological predispositions associated with CHD is crucial for risk identification and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Cynical Mistrust and a history of coronary heart disease (CHD).
- To explore other psychological dispositions that may correlate with Cynical Mistrust in patients with and without CHD.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 64 medical and surgical patients, categorized into groups with (n=23) and without (n=41) a history of CHD.
- Psychometric assessments were used to measure Cynical Mistrust and related personality traits.
Main Results:
- Cynical Mistrust significantly differentiated patients with a history of CHD from those without.
- High scores in Cynical Mistrust were associated with higher Self-Worth by Social Comparison, Playing Hardball with Others, and Self-Criticism.
- Notably, CHD patients with high Cynical Mistrust also exhibited high Dependency on others for validation.
Conclusions:
- Cynical Mistrust is a potential psychological correlate of coronary heart disease (CHD).
- The pathogenicity of Cynical Mistrust for CHD may be amplified by other dispositions, particularly dependency.
- Further research into dependency could enhance the identification of individuals at risk for CHD.