Values clarification and the post-myocardial infarction patient

Marked changes in an individual's attitudes and actions are frequently due to severe or prolonged conditions of stress. A stress encountered by the myocardial infarction patient is the anxiety or depression induced by the forced reduction of activities. Values clarification may be utilized to assist the patient to sort out those activities that are truly important, thus decreasing tension and anxiety. Values, developed and subsequently modified by a person's on-going experiences, give direction to life. Values clarification assists in developing an awareness of those entities a person considers important. It rests on a specific method of reponding to what an individual says or does. The clarifying response is non-judgmental and encourages the individual to examine and to think about his life and ideas. The responsibility is placed on the individual to make a decision as to what he wants. Understanding a patient's values provides the nursing staff with a rational basis for his care and support.