Coping Strategies in Liver Transplant Recipients and Caregivers According to Patient Posttraumatic Growth

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in coping strategies employed by liver transplant recipients and their family members according to patient posttraumatic growth. Two matched groups of 214 liver transplant recipients and 214 family members were selected. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and Brief COPE were used. The most relevant results were: (1) Interactive effects in active coping, support (instrumental and emotional) and acceptance strategies, which were all used more by patients with higher growth levels, while their family members showed no differences in use of these strategies by patient growth level. Furthermore, while a low level of patient growth did not mark differences between them and their caregivers, a high level did, patients employing more active coping and support (instrumental and emotional), (2) In both groups a high level of patient growth was associated with more use of positive reframing and denial than a low one, and (3) Self-blame was employed by patients more than by their caregivers. It was concluded that a high level of posttraumatic growth in liver transplant recipients is associated with more use of healthy coping strategies, basically active coping, instrumental support, and emotional support.

‘Back to Life’—Using knowledge exchange processes to enhance lifestyle interventions for liver transplant recipients: A qualitative study

“…While quality of life improves after transplant, participants of the present study described ongoing issues associated with mental health and emotional resilience that may impact on health‐related decision making . Unique emotional stressors such as survivor guilt and post‐traumatic stress are recognised in organ transplant recipients . Study participants indicated that before they could address their diet and exercise needs, they needed better strategies to cope with the insecurity and uncertainty associated with survival; and also needed the physical and emotional resources to deal with their current medical issues.…”

“…You know what I mean you can have all these people tracking you and following you and advising you but if you don't take that responsibility and own it, it doesn't work'. (FG,20) Back to Life Participants described a renewed outlook on life and expressed their desire to return to 'normality' and 'stability'. The word 'life' was used in the context of rebuilding life, getting back to 'normal' life, 'making the most of life' and social life.…”

“…18 Unique emotional stressors such as survivor guilt and post-traumatic stress are recognised in organ transplant recipients. [19][20][21][22] Study participants indicated that before they could address their diet and exercise needs, they needed better strategies to cope with the insecurity and uncertainty associated with survival; and also needed the physical and emotional resources to deal with their current medical issues. Regular exercise and improving diet quality are effective strategies for fostering good mental health and cognitive function after significant health events such as cardiac arrest.…”

“…Yeah its great it's a good feeling'. (FG,20) Tailored, Personalised Care Participants acknowledged their uniqueness in the community due to their specific requirements relating to longterm health advice and diet and exercise information specific for LTR.…”

Caring for Family Members With Alzheimer’s and Burnout Syndrome: Impairment of the Health of Housewives

“…Scarce literature exist on housewives as a group. There has been a traditional lack of recognition of their labor or the associated psychosocial risks, among them stress and burnout (Pascual, 2001). However, the work they perform in the home, the number of family members they live with, and attention to minors or family members with health problems cause an effect similar to the working conditions under rotating shifts or night jobs, and overwork perceived in other professions.…”