N008 Relationship between types of social support, coping strategies, and psychological distress in individuals living with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 350,000 Canadians and over 1 million Americans today. Despite the increased life expectancy from advancing medical and surgical management, many survivors are confronted with various medical complications (i.e., arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension) and psychosocial issues arising from various limitations (e.g., decreased physical capacity) related to the disease. Survivors often report they feel like they are “being controlled by the disease” and experience feelings of persistent insecurity, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.