Relationship satisfaction and psychological wellbeing in men having participated in the MindTheHeart® psychoeducation intervention after an acute coronary syndrome

Health Psychol Open. 2023 May 31;10(1):20551029231179165. doi: 10.1177/20551029231179165. eCollection 2023 Jan-Jun.

Abstract

This study investigated the associations of relationship satisfaction, depression, and anxiety post-acute coronary syndrome in a sample of men having completed an early, couple-focused, and men-tailored psychoeducation intervention. A baseline sample of 50 male patients were followed over a 12-month period and completed the Couples Satisfaction Index and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Results revealed a significant improvement in depression symptoms from T0 to T1, during which all participants completed the MindTheHeart® psychoeducation intervention. In addition, a hierarchical regression analysis showed that relationship satisfaction is an important predictor of this improvement in depression symptoms. Our preliminary findings point to the consideration of life partners in post-ACS interventions and encourage the exploration of this clinical approach in future research.

Keywords: acute coronary syndrome; anxiety; depression; men; psychoeducation; relationship satisfaction.