How to live well with a myocardial infarction? Preliminary results of a mixed method case study of a compassion-based positive psychology intervention

Kim Tönis*, Jannis T. Kraiss, Heidi Toivonen, Gerard CM Linssen, Ernst T. Bohlmeijer

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterAcademic

    Abstract

    Background: About one in five cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients experience mental health issues. Self-compassion and
    aspects of positive functioning are associated with better mental health in CVD patients.
    Aims: The current study aims to get an in-depth understanding of a compassion-based positive psychology group intervention
    from the perspective of one CVD patient.
    Method: A mixed methods case study was conducted, including (1) in-depth interviews pre- and post-intervention, (2) full-length questionnaires at pre- and post-intervention, and two months follow-up, (3) weekly brief questionnaires from six weeks
    pre- to six weeks post-intervention, and (4) treatment diaries maintained by the psychologists who guided the intervention.
    Reliable change index was employed to identify reliable changes in mental well-being, ability to adapt, anxiety, depression,
    and positive skills. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the interviews and the diaries.
    Results: A reliable increase in the ability to adapt and self-reassurance, and a reliable decrease in depressive symptoms were found from pre-intervention to follow-up. The pre-interview showed: the sense of not being taken seriously by health care
    workers, struggles to accept persistent physical limitations, and ambivalence about psychological support. Analyses of the
    post-interview showed that the participant has become more self-compassionate, but still struggled with her current physical
    limitations.
    Conclusion: This study highlights the unique contribution mixed method case studies can make to the evidence of innovative
    interventions. The design allows to assess and understand the impact of an intervention in the context of the dynamics of the
    daily life of participants living with a CVD.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished - 11 Jul 2024
    Event11th European Conference on Positive Psychology, ECPP 2024: It's you, It's me, It's us - University of Innsbruck, School of Management (SoWi), Faculty of Theology and the Congress Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
    Duration: 10 Jul 202413 Jul 2024
    Conference number: 11
    https://www.ecpp2024.com/

    Conference

    Conference11th European Conference on Positive Psychology, ECPP 2024
    Abbreviated titleECPP 2024
    Country/TerritoryAustria
    CityInnsbruck
    Period10/07/2413/07/24
    Internet address

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