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The mediating Role of Generalized Anxiety in the Relationship between Personality Type D and Quality of Life and General Health in Cardiovascular Patients

Document Type : Scientific Research

Author

Department of Psychology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, posing significant challenges to public health systems and individuals' well-being. While medical treatments have advanced, there is growing recognition of the importance of psychological factors in influencing the course and outcomes of CVDs. Among these factors, personality traits and anxiety have gained attention for their potential impact on quality of life (QoL) and general health outcomes in cardiovascular patients. Personality type D, characterized by a combination of negative affectivity and social inhibition, has been identified as a relevant personality construct in cardiovascular health research. Individuals with Type D personality traits may experience heightened psychological distress and engage in maladaptive coping strategies, potentially exacerbating the burden of CVDs. Additionally, generalized anxiety, commonly observed in cardiovascular patients, has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including decreased treatment adherence and impaired QoL. Despite increasing recognition of the importance of personality and anxiety in cardiovascular health, there remains a need to understand the mechanisms through which these factors influence patient outcomes. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of generalized anxiety in the relationship between personality type D and QoL and general health in cardiovascular patients. By exploring these relationships, we aim to enhance our understanding of the psychological pathways underlying the impact of personality on cardiovascular health outcomes, with implications for tailored interventions to improve patient well-being and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of generalized anxiety in the relationship between Type D personality, QoL, and general health among cardiovascular patients. Method: This study adopted a fundamental research approach, employing a descriptive and correlational design with structural equation modeling (SEM). The study population consisted of all cardiovascular patients in Mashhad, Iran, during the year 2019. A convenience sampling method utilized to recruit a sample of 180 patients from cardiovascular clinics in Mashhad. Data collected using standardized instruments, including the D-Denolt (2007) personality type questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL), and the Generalized Anxiety Inventory developed by Goldberg & Hiller (1972) and Spitzer et al. (2006). Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation utilized for data analysis at the descriptive level, while inferential analyses employed Pearson correlation and structural equation tests. Results: The results of the study revealed significant associations between Type D personality, generalized anxiety, QoL, and general health among cardiovascular patients. Type D personality demonstrated a significant positive relationship with generalized anxiety               (p < 0.001), indicating that individuals with Type D personality traits experienced heightened levels of anxiety. Additionally, Type D personality inversely associated with QoL (p < 0.001) and general health (p < 0.001), suggesting that individuals with Type D personality traits reported lower levels of QoL and general health status. Furthermore, generalized anxiety exhibited significant negative correlations with both QoL (p < 0.001) and general health (p < 0.001), indicating that increased levels of anxiety associated with poorer QoL and general health outcomes among cardiovascular patients. Moreover, path analysis techniques revealed that generalized anxiety played a mediating role in the relationship between Type D personality, QoL and general health outcomes (p < 0.05). This suggests that the presence of generalized anxiety partially explained the adverse effects of Type D personality on health-related outcomes in cardiovascular patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between personality traits, mental health factors, and health outcomes in cardiovascular patients. The findings underscore the importance of considering psychological factors, such as Type D personality and generalized anxiety, in the assessment and management of CVDs. Interventions aimed at addressing anxiety management and maladaptive personality traits may hold promise in improving QoL and general health outcomes among cardiovascular patients. By elucidating the mediating role of generalized anxiety, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying health outcomes in CVDs, thereby informing holistic approaches to patient care and management

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References
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Health Psychology
Volume 12, Issue 48
February 2024
Pages 61-72
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