The relationship between causal attributions and adjustment and coping in patients following a myocardial infarction / Kathleen M. McCauley.

Format:

Book

Manuscript

Microformat

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

McCauley, Kathleen M., 1949-

Contributor:

Lowery, Barbara, advisor.

University of Pennsylvania.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Penn dissertations--Nursing.

Nursing--Penn dissertations.

Nursing.

Academic Dissertations as Topic.

Medical Subjects:

Nursing.

Academic Dissertations as Topic.

Local Subjects:

Penn dissertations--Nursing.

Nursing--Penn dissertations.

Physical Description:

xiii, 152 leaves ; 29 cm

Production:

1990.

Summary:

The relationship between causal thinking, or lack of it and adjustment and coping was examined in a sample of 129 patients who had sustained a myocardial infarction within the past one to five months and who were currently enrolled in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs. The theoretical frameworks of Weiner's (1979, 1985a) theory of causal attributions and Lazarus' (1977, 1984) theory of coping provided direction for the research.

The investigation found that subjects who had asked themselves "Why me?" comprised slightly less than half the sample. These subjects were having greater overall adjustment problems, and also had poorer psychological adjustment. The latter results must be considered exploratory. Whether or not subjects constructed a cause had no relationship to adjustment.

In contrast to the tenets of Weiner's theory, no relationship was found between any of the dimensions of the cause and adjustment. However, subjects whose cause was coded as controllable had a greater tendency to blame themselves. Subjects' perception of loss of control was associated with greater psychological distress.

Discussion of results focuses on similarities and differences between this research and other attributional studies, particularly in the area of perceived control. Implications for nursing practice with patients who seem to dwell on asking themselves "Why me?" and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Notes:

Thesis (Ph.D. in Nursing) -- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 1990.

Includes bibliography.

Local Notes:

University Microfilms order no.: 90-26606.

OCLC:

187448204