Despite evidence that spouses play an important role in the recovery of MI survivors, there have been few studies of pertinent psychosocial factors from the perspectives of both survivors and spouses. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to describe stress, coping strategies and social support experienced by survivors and spouses. This study was limited to first-time MI to focus on a time of uncertainty and transition. Twenty-eight persons (14 couples) participated. Both survivors and their spouses reported similar post-MI stresses: emotional impact, lifestyle changes, encounters with health professionals, and their partners' reactions. Spouses and survivors used diverse strategies to cope with the stresses of MI. Seeking informational support was prevalent. Both spouses and survivors engaged in 'protective buffering' of their partners. Couples described deficient support, conflict and miscarried helping efforts within their relationships. Spouses and survivors referred to inadequate informational support from health professionals.

Future interventions could consider similarity of peers, leadership, and optimum timing and duration.

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2 0 0 1 ) ( 2 0 0 1 ) Journal of Advanced Nursing 33(2), 190±199 Group support for couples coping with a cardiac condition Background/Rationale. Support groups of peers were designed to convey support speci®c to stressful situations encountered by persons with a ®rst-time myocardial infarction and by their spouse or partners. There were no previous published support intervention studies focused on the couple. Survivors and spouses (n 28) participated in a pilot study which tested the effect of a 12-week support group intervention. Design. The support groups for couples were cofacilitated by a peer and professional. The facilitators recorded ®eld notes, while participants completed weekly diaries about the intervention activities. Following the intervention, participants were interviewed individually and facilitators were interviewed jointly about the perceived effect of the intervention and in¯uencing factors. This article focuses on the facilitators' and participants' perceptions of intervention processes and outcomes. Findings. Support processes in the group included social comparison, social learning, and social exchange. Three types of support ± emotional, information, and af®rmation ± were provided. All participants were satis®ed with the support intervention and referred to the positive effect on their coping, con®dence, outlook, and spousal relationship. Factors that in¯uenced the intervention effect were participant input, cofacilitation, similarity of group members, and the provision of information and support. Conclusions. Future interventions could consider similarity of peers, leadership, and optimum timing and duration.