Self-Descriptions of Patients with Coronary Disease

Abstract

Current self-descriptions of coronary patients and control Ss were obtained on the Clyde Mood Scale. Comparison was made with retrospective self-descriptions, i.e., just prior to the coronary attack for the patients and a comparable period of time for the control group. In addition, spouses' descriptions of Ss for the same periods were obtained. In comparison to controls, the coronary Ss were more “depressed” and “anergic” for both periods. Spouses described patients as more “anergic” following the coronary. Significant correlations in the patient group between the two periods were found on positive subscales but not on “depressed,” “anergic” or “jittery.” Correlations in the control group between the two periods were significant for almost all subscales. It was concluded that the coronary attack has an impact on the patient which does not dissipate over time and that patients react to this impact differentially depending on their defensive systems.