Personality Matters: Investigating the Intersection of Personality and Quality of Life in Patients of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Abstract

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. CAD also associated with mental health issues. The aim of this research is to investigate the link between patients' quality of life and D-type personality in those who have coronary artery disease (CAD). A qualitative correlational research design was employed to collect the data. A total of 210 patients (men=127 & women=83) with coronary artery disease selected through purposive sampling. The study utilized standardized Urdu versions of Type D Scale-14 (Denollet, 2005) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale brief form (WHO, 1996) to measure personality and quality of life. Findings indicated that Quality of life is correlated with facets of the type-D personality, with its subscales social inhibition and negative affectivity. Regression analysis revealed that gender, social inhibition (SI), and negative affectivity (NA) all adversely predicted quality of life and collectively accounted for 39% of the variance. Mean differences were observed in gender, where women scored more on Type-D personality, Negative Affectivity, and Social Inhibition, while men scored higher on Quality of Life. The study outcomes provided valuable insights into the psychological factors affecting coronary artery disease patients' quality of life. The research findings could aid in the development of preventative measures and methods for promoting mental health, which would help vulnerable people, avoid developing mental health problems in the first place as well as manage current psychological challenges.