Effects of denial on mood, compliance, and quality of functioning after cardiovascular rehabilitation

The effect of denial upon mood, perceived quality of functioning and compliance with medical advice was studied in 45 coronary patients three months after completing an intensive cardiovascular rehabilitation program. Deniers reported less mood disturbance before and after the program and at three-month follow-up compared with nondeniers. Denial was inversely related to Total Mood Disturbance at all three evaluations. Both groups showed a decline in mood disturbance with treatment and loss of improvement at follow-up. The degree of change was significantly greater for nondeniers. There was no significant difference between groups in any area of compliance or perceived quality of functioning. Denial showed no relationship to overall compliance or quality scores. Total Mood Disturbance was inversely related to both compliance and perceived quality of functioning and appears to be a majro determinant of rehabilitation outcome.