Abstract 12971: Positive Psychological Growth Post Cardiac Arrest Survivorship: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Cardiac arrest (CA) has an annual US incidence of >500,000 with survival rates ~10%. Although most studies focus on survival and neurological outcomes, understanding long-term psychological consequences is of equal importance. Some have reported negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD; however, since survivors of other adverse life-threatening disorders, including cancer, report positive psychological growth, we sought to test the hypothesis that CA survival may also be associated with growth of positive psychological traits. Method: Invitations were sent to CA survivors through their local hospitals or national registries to participate in an online pilot cross sectional study. Overall, 47 agreed and were given a series of standardized questionnaires to assess the following positive personality traits: empathy, compassion, forgiveness, altruism, optimism, gratitude, positivity, spirituality, consideration for others’ needs, and happiness. Using a 5-point Likert scale, they then estimated the relative change in these traits since their CA event, where 1=significant decrease, 2=moderate decrease, 3=no change, 4 =moderate increase, and 5=significant increase. Results: Overall 42 of 47 (89%) reported a return to their daily functional activities. Personality trait ratings were analyzed using a sign test relative to a population median score of 3 (i.e. no change) for statistical analysis. Participants showed statistically significant differences in all the assessed personality traits: gratitude (median=4, p<0.0001), compassion (median=4, p= p<0.0001), altruism (median=4, p<0.0001), empathy (median=4, p<0.0001), spirituality(median=4, p<0.0001), consideration for others’ needs (median=4, p<0.0001), forgiveness(median=4, p<0.0005), optimism (median=4, p<0.001), positivity (median=4, p<0.005), and happiness(median=4, p<0.05). Conclusions: Long-term psychological sequelae of CA survivorship remains ill understood. However, some CA survivors may develop greater positive psychological traits following CA. Further studies are required to assess the relationship between CA and long-term positive changes and quality of life, as well as possible therapeutic interventions.