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Psychological correlates of hostility among patients undergoing coronary angiography
J A Blumenthal1, J Barefoot, M M Burg
1Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Insights
The Cook-Medley Hostility scale is linked to coronary heart disease risk. This study found hostility measures anger, neuroticism, social issues, and poor coping in patients undergoing heart procedures.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cardiology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- The Cook-Medley Hostility (Ho) scale is associated with increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
- Limited data exists on psychosocial correlates of the Ho scale in clinical populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychosocial correlates of the Cook-Medley Hostility scale in patients referred for coronary angiography.
- To further understand the psychological dimensions measured by the Ho scale.
Main Methods:
- 132 patients (mean age 53) completed self-report questionnaires.
- Instruments included MMPI, SCL-90, STPI, TASRI, and PSSS.
- Correlational analysis was used to examine relationships between the Ho scale and other measures.
Main Results:
- The Ho scale correlated with several psychosocial dimensions.
- Key dimensions identified include anger/hostility, neuroticism, social maladjustment, and ineffective coping.
- These findings provide insight into the psychological underpinnings of hostility.
Conclusions:
- The Cook-Medley Hostility scale captures multifaceted psychological constructs.
- Understanding these dimensions may inform interventions for patients at risk for CHD.
Abstract:
The Cook-Medley Hostility (Ho) scale (Cook & Medley, 1954) has been associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). There is relatively little information about the psychosocial correlates of the Ho scale in clinical or adult populations, however. In this study, 132 patients (mean age = 53 years) referred for diagnostic coronary angiography completed a battery of self-report questionnaires including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Hopkins Symptom Check List (SCL-90), State-Trait Personality Inventory (STPI), Type A Self-Rating Inventory (TASRI), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). Examination of the pattern of correlations among the Ho scale and the psychometric instruments revealed that the Ho scale may be viewed as tapping four general behavioural dimensions including anger and hostility, neuroticism, social maladjustment and ineffective coping style. These findings serve to further understanding about the psychological dimensions of hostility as measured by the Cook-Medley Ho scale.