Longitudinal Risk Factors for Adverse Psychological Functioning Six Months after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Abstract

This research aimed to identify modifiable risk factors for poor psychological functioning six months post-operatively, using a chronic illness model to explain the relationships between risk factors. Consecutive elective CABG patients (N = 119) completed self-report measures including optimism, illness representations, self-rated health, social support, coping methods, depression, anxiety and PTSD symptomatology in a repeated measures design. Poor pre-operative psychological functioning was the strongest psychological risk factor for adverse psychological functioning six months post-operatively. Longitudinal support for the chronic illness model examined was limited. Further research to identify modifiable risk factors and pre-operative psychopathology screening to determine individuals at-risk of poor psychological outcome is recommended.