Correlation between Hopelessness, Resiliency and Type D Personality in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Psychological factors play an important role in the outcome and adaptability of the patient with chronic heart failure, but they are often ignored in the treatment process. This study aimed to determine the correlation between hopelessness, resiliency, and type D personality in patients with chronic heart failure. The study was descriptive-correlational. The researchers, using purposive sampling method, selected One hundred patients with chronic heart failure who referred to the Farhangian clinic located in the second district of Tehran. The researchers completed patients’ demographic form, the index of severity of illness, beck hopelessness scale (BHS), short version of Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and type D personality questionnaire by interviewing the participants. SPSS software version 19 analyzed data. The findings showed that most heart failure patients had moderate hopelessness (86%) and resiliency (85%) and 67% had type D personality. Pearson correlation coefficient showed a moderate, inverse, and significant correlation between type D personality and resiliency (r = -0.479, p <0.001) and a weak but positive and significant correlation between type D personality and hopelessness(r = 0.198, p = 0.048). There was no significant correlation between hopelessness and resiliency (P >0.05). Type D personality in patients with heart failure is accompanied by a reduction in resilience and an increase in hopelessness. These findings can be used for health policymakers in designing and planning of multidisciplinary team care and holistic care of patients with heart failure. Considering the high frequency of hopelessness, reduction of resiliency, and type D personality in patients with heart failure, screening, identification, and referral of patients requiring psychological support is essential for facilitating adjustment and improvement of the quality of life. The identification and psychological support of patients with type D personality can help increase the hope and resilience of heart failure patients.