The Role of Psychological Flexibility on Quality of Life in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Mediated by Illness Perception: Structural Equation Model

Psychological variables play a major role in adaptation and quality of life among heart patients. This study was conducted to investigate the mediating role of illness perception in the relationship between psychological flexibility and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease.

In the present cross-sectional study, 220 patients with coronary artery disease referred to Isfahan's Shahid Chamran Specialist Hospital were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. For data collection, demographic information questionnaire, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IP), quality of life questionnaire (SF-36), Bond acceptance and action questionnaire (AAQ-II), Gillanders Cognitive defusion Questionnaire (CFQ), and the Cluster Value-Driven Life Questionnaire (VLQ) were used. The gathered data was analysed using structural equation modeling method.

The results of study revealed a direct relationship between PF and QOL (r = -0.505), also significant negative relationship was found between IP and QOL (r = 0.285). In addition, the intensity of general relationship between QOL and PF through mediating role of IP was estimated at (r < 0.603). IP significantly mediates the relationship between acceptance and practice, values, fusion, on illness duration (0.028, 0.56, -0.094, and 0.50).

It seems that, Illness perception as a mediacing variable between psychological flexibility and quality of life plays a significant role. Thus, considering this for treatment and rehabilitation purposes has been emphasized.