The Gerontologist, Vol 38, Issue 5 591-601, Copyright © 1998 by The Gerontological Society of America

ARTICLES

The role of private prayer in psychological recovery among midlife and aged patients following cardiac surgery

AL Ai, RE Dunkle, C Peterson and SF Bolling
Traubman Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48109- 0334, USA. [email protected]

Issues related to psychological recovery following coronary bypass surgeries (CABG) have emerged in recent years. Other research has shown the effects of spiritual or religious activities on health and aging. However, little is known about the relationship of spiritual coping, including religious coping, to post-CABG adjustment. This study addressed multifactorial determinants of postoperative psychological recovery and the effects of private prayer, a form of spiritual coping, on the recovery of 151 older patients. Results show that most patients pray about their postoperative problems and that private prayer appears to significantly decrease depression and general distress one year post- CABG.

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