In psychoanalytic literature it is asserted that in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) the period prior to the infarction is characterized by denial of resentment, dependency, anxiety and vital exhaustion. AMI patients overcompensate these characteristics by means of aggressive and active behavior. In the present study an instrument was constructed to measure these defense mechanisms. 122 male AMI patients and their partners completed a questionnaire for the purpose of judging the afore-mentioned characteristics in the AMI patients. The judgement related to the 3 months prior to the infarction. The study showed that the questionnaire was internally consistent (reliable) and valid. It was found that AMI patients saw themselves as having been less resentful, dependent, anxious and exhausted than their partners judged them to have been. The AMI patients did not judge themselves to have been more aggressive or active than their partners judged them to have been. The results indicate the potential usefulness of the method of comparing scores (patients vs. partners) in measuring defense mechanisms. Methodological problems and problems regarding the interpretation of scores are critically discussed.

This content is only available via PDF.
© 1987 S. Karger AG, Basel
1987
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.