Active Coping Processes, Coping Dispositions, and Recovery from Surgery

Abstract

Surgical patients with similar medical problems differ greatly in their rate of postoperative recovery. This study investigated the relationship between the mode of coping with preoperative stress and recovery from surgery. Sixty-one preoperative surgical patients were interviewed and classified into three groups based on whether they showed avoidance vigilance, or both kinds of coping behavior, concerning their surgical problem. Coping dispositions referring to the same dimension, preoperative anxiety, and previous life stress were also measured. The five recovery variables included days in hospital, number of pain medications, minor medical complications, negative psychological reactions, and the sum of these. Results showed that the vigilant group had the most complicated postoperative recovery, although only two recovery variables (days in hospital and minor complications) were statistically significant. Coping dispositions, anxiety, and life stress showed no clear or consistent relationships with recovery. Ways in which mode of coping may have influenced recovery are discussed.