Feasibility of a cognitive-behavioural group intervention for men experiencing psychological difficulties after myocardial infarction.
BACKGROUND
People experiencing psychological distress after a cardiac event may require special follow-up and targeted interventions in order to effectively decrease levels of distress.


OBJECTIVE
Men who were judged to be experiencing poor emotional adjustment post-myocardial infarction (MI) were invited to a cognitive behaviour therapy group. The current study examines the attendance at such a group and the consequent feasibility of such interventions.


METHODS
The content of the group aimed to help men deal with the uncomfortable psychosocial issues that had arisen since having a MI.


RESULTS
Of the 26 men approached only 30% were interested in attending and only 11% actually completed the group. Two men who were committed to attending the group could not complete all the sessions, as heart bypass operations became available to them.


CONCLUSIONS
Ways of involving men in interventions targeting psychological distress requires ongoing investigation.
Wade
Tracey
T
School of Psychology, Flinders University of South Australia, P.O. Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. tracey.wade@flinders.edu.au
Birchmore
Libby
L
Hobby
Christine
C
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000523:psychology*; D009790:Occupations; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy