Monitoring attentional style and medical regimen adherence in hemodialysis patients.
Previous research involving individuals facing chronic health problems suggests that an attentional style characterized by pronounced monitoring of threat-relevant information is associated with poorer behavioral and emotional adjustment. This study examined the hypothesis that a pronounced monitoring style would be associated with poorer medical regimen adherence in a sample of 51 chronic hemodialysis patients. Hierarchical regression analyses (controlling for demographic factors and trait anxiety) revealed that "high monitors" exhibited higher interdialysis weight gains and higher serum K values reflecting poorer adherence to fluid-intake and dietary restrictions. However, monitoring was not associated with a measure of medication adherence. Partial support was found for a model suggesting that a lack of perceived control is responsible for the relationship between higher monitoring and poorer adherence.
Christensen
A J
AJ
Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA. alan-christensen@uiowa.edu
Moran
P J
PJ
Lawton
W J
WJ
Stallman
D
D
Voigts
A L
AL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001288:Attention; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D006435:Renal Dialysis