It has certainly been good just to talk: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of coping with myocardial infarction

Abstract

The experience of a myocardial infarction (MI), its potential meaning and consequences arouse a high level of emotional responsiveness in the individual. Researchers to date have argued that implementing adaptive coping strategies is necessary for emotional adjustment. This study aimed to advance coping research by providing more detailed insight into middle-aged men's personal experiences of coping with MI and the meaning they ascribe to these experiences. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to conduct an in-depth study of a small sample of patients who had suffered their first MI. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six men within 6 months of their first MI. Verbatim transcripts of these interviews were analysed using IPA. Three superordinate themes emerged, which are described under the headings of 'Difficulty in Reflecting', 'Needing to Talk' and 'Back to Normal'. Participants seemed to share difficulties in reflecting on their coping strategies and the concept of coping generally, but were keen to talk about specific events in relation to the MI. The findings suggest that cardiac rehabilitation needs to focus on individual priorities for recovery. Providing opportunities for patients to talk through their experiences individually may be an important aspect of such care. Further research is needed to investigate the challenges that patients confront and the support they require post-MI.