title: Women's experience following a cardiac event: the role of the self in healing.
abstract: This study explored the role of the self in the experiences of women living with cardiovascular disease. The study, which used a naturalistic design, involved interviewing 13 women with a diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD) and analyzing their reports through constant comparative analysis. For women, living with CHD was characterized by changing images of the self. Women reported engaging in processes involving seeking meaning, creating mastery, and accepting the self. These processes were marked by the overarching theme of connectedness with significant others. The study findings enhance understanding of the role of the self in recovery for women with diagnosed CHD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult and Geriatric Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA. jfleury@email.unc.edu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fleury
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sedikides
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lunsford
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D012803:Sick Role; D016387:Women's Health