Depressive symptoms and clinical depression have an unfavorable impact on mortality in CHD patients. The results are limited by heterogeneity of the results in the primary studies. There is no clear evidence whether self-report or clinical interview is the more precise predictor. Nevertheless, depression has to be considered a relevant risk factor in patients with CHD.

Because the perception of social support seems important for CHD prognosis, monitoring of functional social support is indicated in patients with CHD, and interventions to increase the perception of positive social resources are warranted.

• This study demonstrates good psychometric properties of the WAI-SR in outpatients and inpatients.• The WAI-SR is ready to be used by psychotherapists interested in the therapeutic alliance, for supervision and process research.