Perception of the etiology of illness: causal attributions in a heart patient population.
This study examined perceived causes of myocardial infarction in a patient population of 345 men previously free from significant medical problems. Investigation of their perceptions following the life-threatening illness crisis indicated that stress and tension factors were the causes most commonly cited. Possible social and psychological correlates are analyzed using an attribution theory framework, and their implications are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004644:Emotions; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D010551:Personality; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology