Psychosocial adjustment to coronary artery disease: current knowledge and future directions

Adjusting to the diagnosis of coronary artery disease can be a challenge to the coping abilities of patients and their families. To effectively support these clients' coping efforts, cardiovascular nurses must be knowledgeable about factors that affect the adjustment process. This article reviews recent findings regarding physiologic, psychologic, and sociodemographic influences on adjustment and presents a model that integrates these findings. Possible directions for further research are suggested.