Key result
First MI in men is linked to distinct personality traits, including difficulty relaxing and personal inferiority.
Why the study?
Differences in psychosocial factors and personality traits between myocardial infarction survivors and matched controls were investigated to understand potential risk factors.
Case-Control
Observed personality differences post-MI warrant no practice change; leaves open whether traits contribute causally to infarction risk.
Two questionnaires totalling 370 questions were used to compare 61 male patients who had survived a first myocardial infarction with a group controlled for age and social status who had not had an infarction. The questionnaires included the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, providing a measure of 15 personality variables, the Anxiety and Depression Sub-Scales of the MMPI, and the Cochrane and Robertson Life Events Inventory, as well as originally-designed questions based on known risk factors. Significant differences were found in several dimensions of personality as well as in the family histories of myocardial infarction and in certain life styles. The patient group showed a greater sense of independence, greater difficulty in relaxing, and a sence of personal inferiority. Suggestions are offered for the modification of life styles in susceptible individuals as a possible aid to prevention.
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Spittle et al. (1977) conducted a case-control in Myocardial Infarction. Psychosocial factors vs. Age and social status-matched controls without infarction was evaluated on Differences in personality dimensions, family history, and life styles. Male survivors of a first myocardial infarction exhibited significant differences in personality, including a greater sense of independence, difficulty relaxing, and personal inferiority.
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