Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy and Coping Styles in Patients with Acute Coronary Heart Disease

Objectives: The present study has investigated the effect of cognitive behavioral group therapy on improving coping styles in patients with acute coronary heart disease. Methods: Semi-experimental in type of pretest-posttest with control group seems to be a good design for this study.22 patients with acute coronary heart disease are admitted in CCU of Mashhad Razavi Hospital and undergo angioplasty heart surgery,11 in the control and the other 11in the experimental group. Those in the experimental group receive 12 sessions of cognitive-behavioral group therapy and the ones in the control one are not offered any intervention. Before and after the intervention, CISS-21coping questionnaire is completed by members of the sample. Results: The results of MANCOVA revealed after participating in cognitive behavioral group therapy, problem-oriented coping style of members of the experimental group than in the control group had a significant increase and avoidant coping style of members of the experimental group than in the control group had a significant reduction. Discussion: Findings confirm that cognitive-behavioral group therapy improve coping styles in patients with acute coronary heart disease. Findings indicate awareness of thinking styles, identifying cognitive errors, doing cognitive homework, reinforcing positive behavior, encouraging acceptance of restrictions, sharing experiences, talking about negative emotions related to illness and the possible consequences.