Investigating Gender Disparities in the Relationships between Psychological Hardiness and Subjective Well-being in Cardiac Patients: The Mediating Role of Resilience

Abstract

Background: Health psychologists are constructively playing their role to help us know the causes of psychobiological disorders that affect human physical and psychological health Objective: The existing study was designed to investigate the gender differences among cardiac patients in terms of psychological hardiness, subjective well-being, and resilience in cardiac patients.  Methods: Gender differences among cardiac patients were investigated using a cross-sectional study approach. The research comprised 75 cardiac patients (43 male and 32 female) ranging in age from 27 + to 65 years. Participants were briefed about the significance of the research, informed consent was obtained, and data were collected using valid, indigenously translated research instruments. Patient anonymity was maintained, and responses were evaluated using SPSS-23 and AMOS-20 statistical tools. Results: Results from the independent sample t-test revealed that male cardiac patients exhibited a significantly higher level of psychological hardiness (t=4.46, p<.05) and resilience (t=7.51, p<.05) compared to their female counterparts. However, the study found no statistically significant gender differences in subjective well-being. (t=.08, p>.05). Moreover, path analysis was conducted through structure equational modelling, unveiled that resilience played a significant role in the connection between psychological hardiness and subjective well-being in the patients (χ2=1.82, p<.05, RMSEA=.07, RMR=.20, CFI=.97, GFI=.98, and TLI=.93). The determined value of chi-square (χ2/pdf) 1.82 is acceptable for model fit indexes parameters. The multiple linear regression analysis findings revealed that resilience and psychological hardiness were significant (p<.05) predictors of subjective well-being in cardiac patients.  Conclusion: This research emphasizes the vital role of psychological hardiness in cardiac patients' lives, showcasing its adaptive function. The study's findings will contribute to the existing literature, providing valuable guidance for medical professionals, health/clinical psychologists, and the families of patients. This information aims to enhance rehabilitation strategies and promote improved well-being for individuals with cardiac patients.