The relationship between spontaneous coping strategies and perceived anxiety of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Little is known about how patients spontaneously cope with the inherent stressors of the cardiac catheterization procedure. In this study, spontaneous coping strategies were identified and the relationship between coping strategies and anxiety throughout the procedure was examined. Data consisted of 62 patients' subjective ratings of anxiety, reported at 6 points during the procedure, and the coping strategies which were used at those times. The Coping with Invasive Medical Procedures (CIMP) Scoring System was developed and utilized to examine the relationships between coping and anxiety. At various points throughout the procedure, "control" and "hoping" were associated with high anxiety, while "passive coping" and "positive reframing" were associated with low anxiety. Patients who repeatedly changed coping strategies during the procedure experienced slightly less anxiety than those using a more consistent coping approach. The results are discussed with an emphasis on patient teaching.