Work

Optimism measured pre-operatively is associated with reduced pain intensity and physical symptom reporting after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Optimism is thought to be associated with long-term favourable outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Our objective was to examine the association between optimism and post-operative pain and physical symptoms in CABG patients. METHODS: We assessed optimism pre-operatively in 197 adults undergoing CABG surgery, and then followed them up 6-8 weeks after the procedure to measure affective pain, pain intensity, and physical symptom reporting directly pertaining to CABG surgery. RESULTS: Greater optimism measured pre-operatively was significantly associated with lower pain intensity (β=-0.150, CI=-0.196 to -0.004, p=.042) and fewer physical symptoms following surgery (β=-0.287, CI=-0.537 to -0.036, p=.025), but not with affective pain, after controlling for demographic, clinical and behavioural covariates, including negative affectivity. CONCLUSIONS: Optimism is a modest, yet significant, predictor of pain intensity and physical symptom reporting after CABG surgery. Having positive expectations may promote better recovery.

Source: Journal of Psychosomatic Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.07.018

Authors: Amy Ronaldson, Lydia Poole, Tara Kidd, Elizabeth Leigh, Marjan Jahangiri, Andrew Steptoe

Institutions: University College London, University of London, St George's Hospital, St George's, University of London

Language: English

Topic: Optimism, Hope, and Well-being

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760