The Effect of Optimism Training on Emotional Problems and Life Satisfaction in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world. The purpose of the present research was to examine the effect of optimism training on reducing emotional problems and increasing satisfaction with life (SWL) in patients with MI.Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental one with the plan of the pre-test post-test control group. The statistical population included all patients with MI 40-65 years old who were treated in Kasra hospital in Karaj in 2019. The sample was 90 patients with MI assigned to the two groups experimental and control group randomly. Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS). The data were analyzed using the methods of Univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance.Results: The result showed that optimism training significantly decreases emotional problems and increases life satisfaction in the experimental group (P<0.01).Discussion: This finding has important implications as regards the education and mental health of patients with MI. Based on the results, it is necessary to pay more attention to two variables emotional problems and SWL in the design of interventions to reduce the psychological problems of patients with MI.