How goal disturbance, coping and chest pain relate to quality of life: A study among patients waiting for PTCA

This article describes psychological correlates of quality of life (QOL) in patients on a waiting list for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Variables were selected based on a theoretical model describing psychological correlates of QOL in PTCA patients. This model was based on self-regulation and stress-coping theories. The variables in the model are stress appraisal, coping, coping resources, and general and disease-specific QOL variables. Respondents were 122 patients on a 3-month waiting list for a PTCA. Results indicated that PTCA patients had a poorer QOL than matched healthy controls. Using a path analysis approach to regression analysis, it appeared that goal disturbance, avoidant coping, approach coping, and chest pain were related to QOL. More specifically, chest pain and goal disturbance were only related to health-related QOL and negative affect. Both approach and avoidant coping were related to QOL variables. Results could be explained adequately using self-regulation theory. Recommendations for future research and for form and content of rehabilitation programmes were made.