Preoperative surgical patients with vigilant coping behavior had the most complicated postoperative recovery, specifically regarding days in hospital and minor complications.
Observational (n=61)
Surgical patients with similar medical problems differ greatly in their rate of postoperative recovery. This study investigated the relationship between the mode of coping with preoperative stress and recovery from surgery. Sixty-one preoperative surgical patients were interviewed and classified into three groups based on whether they showed avoidance vigilance, or both kinds of coping behavior, concerning their surgical problem. Coping dispositions referring to the same dimension, preoperative anxiety, and previous life stress were also measured. The five recovery variables included days in hospital, number of pain medications, minor medical complications, negative psychological reactions, and the sum of these. Results showed that the vigilant group had the most complicated postoperative recovery, although only two recovery variables (days in hospital and minor complications) were statistically significant. Coping dispositions, anxiety, and life stress showed no clear or consistent relationships with recovery. Ways in which mode of coping may have influenced recovery are discussed.
Cohen et al. (Sat,) conducted a observational in Preoperative surgical patients (n=61). Mode of coping with preoperative stress (avoidance, vigilance, or both) vs. Different coping modes was evaluated on Postoperative recovery (days in hospital, pain medications, minor complications, negative psychological reactions, and sum). Preoperative surgical patients with vigilant coping behavior had the most complicated postoperative recovery, specifically regarding days in hospital and minor complications.