Pessimistic attributions and coping strategies as predictors of depressive symptoms in people with coronary heart disease

Abstract

This two-wave longitudinal study examines the ability of pessimistic attributional style and coping strategies to predict depressive symptoms in a sample of 99 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). After the cardiac episode, the globality dimension of this style was associated with increased depressive symptoms, and this association was mediated by the low use of effective coping strategies. Stability and globality dimensions of pessimistic attributional style could also predict depressive symptoms eight weeks later. Cardiac intervention programmes should include the treatment of these symptoms and promote effective coping strategies as well as the modification of these stable and global attributions.

L’optimisme et COVID-19 : une ressource pour soutenir les personnes en situation de confinement ?

“…De manière systématique, les personnes au style pessimiste manifestent davantage de symptômes, de la résignation apprise par rapport à celles au style optimiste (voir [59] pour une synthèse). Par exemple, un style pessimiste est lié à une moins bonne santé physique ou mentale (e.g., [57]), à davantage de symptômes dépressifs (e.g., [28] cité par Chang [15]), et de moins bonnes stratégies de coping chez des patients victimes d'un infarctus du myocarde [68]. Plus généralement, le style explicatif est associé à des variables comme l'efficience du système immunitaire [6], les blessures [56], les pensées irrationnelles [88], la satisfaction conjugale (e.g., Fincham, 2000) [26], différents types d'anxiétés (e.g., [49]) et la résilience (e.g., [47]).…”

The Relationship Between Attributional Style for Negative Outcomes and Depression: A Meta-Analysis

“…In this 20-year span, several cross-sectional (e.g., Haugen & Lund, 2002;Johnson, Crofton, & Feinstein, 1996;Rodriguez, 2006;Sanjuán, Arranz, & Castro, 2012) and longitudinal studies (e.g., Cole et al, 2010;Hankin, Abramson, & Siler, 2001;Sanjuán & Magallares, 2009) have found correlations between attributional style for negative outcomes and depression, however, the coefficients varied across studies. In addition, some potential confounding variables such as age and gender may have moderated the correlation.…”

Trajectories of depressive symptoms after a major cardiac event

“…A more general limitation of studies to date concerns the paucity of data concerning key predictors for worsening symptoms and persistent depression in CHD that might inform clinical treatment initiation. Notwithstanding previous reports regarding persistent depressive symptoms and social isolation (Murphy et al, 2013), it is also plausible that other factors such as coping styles and locus of control could serve as important moderator variables (Sanjuán et al, 2012;Vögele et al, 2012). Conversely, the dearth of data regarding sustained remission particularly makes decisions regarding trial inclusion and anti-depressant treatment difficult.…”