Adaptive Responses and Stress Coping Styles in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Clinical Study

Background: The present study examined coping styles and adaptive responses in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and healthy controls. Methods: A total of 240 participants were included, comprising cardiac surgery patients and a control group. The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations and the Reactions to Impairment and Disability Inventory were used. Results: Significant group differences were found in adaptive responses, with cardiac surgery patients showing higher levels of shock, anxiety, denial, and overall maladaptive adjustment patterns. Patients also demonstrated a distinct profile of adaptation compared with healthy controls. Task-focused coping was associated with more adaptive functioning, whereas emotion-focused coping and maladaptive emotional responses were associated with poorer psychological adjustment. Conclusions: Overall, the results indicate that coping style is a key factor in psychological adaptation to cardiac surgery, with implications for the development of targeted psychological interventions in cardiac rehabilitation.