Modeling predictors of quality of life after coronary angioplasty

Psychological predictors of quality of life in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty were investigated using a prospective model based on self-regulation and stress-coping theories. Predictors (chest pain, disturbance of personal goals, stress perception, approach coping, avoidant coping, and optimism) and three quality of life indicators (disease-specific quality of life, positive affect, and negative affect) were measured with questionnaires in 158 patients both when they were admitted on the waiting list for angioplasty and 3 months after angioplasty. The results were congruent with expectations based on the theories and indicated that the models predicting disease-specific quality of life and negative affect fit the data well. Avoidant Coping and Stress Perception predicted all quality of life indicators. Goal Disturbance predicted only negative quality of life variables, and Approach Coping predicted only positive quality of life variables. Chest Pain predicted Disease-Specific Quality of Life and Positive Affect. Optimism served as a coping resource. Individualized behavior modification interventions were recommended, but the data suggest that patients may not be easily persuaded to engage in health behavior.