Few studies have investigated the change in mood states, such as anger, fatigue and confusion, after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS). The aim of this study was to describe the progression of these mood states over time and to determine the factors associated with these trajectories. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) was administered to 182 CABGS patients prior to surgery and at two and six months post-operatively. Socio-demographic and medical data were collected before surgery. Growth curve modelling was used to describe the POMS subscale trajectories. Four POMS subscales (tension-anxiety, fatigue-inertia, confusion-bewilderment, and vigour-activity) showed rapid improvement over the first two months after CABGS followed by a lesser improvement. There was no significant change over time for the depression-dejection and anger-hostility subscales. Being younger, male, having a manual occupation, and smoking were factors associated with poorer pre-operative mood states. Those at risk of persistent mood disturbance after CABGS were younger, unpartnered, female and those with diabetes. These patients can be identified prior to hospital admission.

A model of the interrelationship among Change in Role Perception, Role Conflict, and Psychological Health of working mothers is introduced. The model posits that Change in Role Perception after the birth of children influences Psychological Health directly or indirectly through Role Conflict. The model was tested with a sample of 192 employed mothers (aged 26-45 years) with at least one child under 11 years of age and who lived in either Melbourne or Canberra, Australia. As expected, scores on Role Conflict predicted all four measures of Psychological Health (Anxiety, Self-esteem, Uptight, and Worn Out). Change in scores on Role Perception predicted Self-esteem and Worn Out. Geographic location predicted scores for Uptight and Worn Out and Occupational Type predicted scores for Worn Out, perhaps due to perceived social support. There are theoretical reasons for maintaining the model's structure. Refinement of methodology, measurement of Change in Role Perception, and possible adoption of a longitudinal approach is recommended. It is concluded that measuring experienced role conflict and change in role perception should be taken into account in any consideration of women's psychological health.

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