Development of a Structural Model of Quality of Life for Cardiac Patients Based on Health Locus of Control and Illness Perception with the Mediating Role of Alexithymia

This study aimed to develop a structural model of the quality of life for cardiac patients based on health locus of control and illness perception with the mediating role of alexithymia in the cardiac patient population visiting hospitals in Tehran.

Methods and Materials:

 The research method was correlational. A total of 281 patients were selected through purposive sampling and responded to the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, the Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling.

The results indicated that the structural model of quality of life for cardiac patients based on health locus of control and illness perception, mediated by alexithymia, was a good fit. Additionally, there was a significant positive relationship between health locus of control and illness perception with quality of life (p < 0.05), a significant negative relationship between alexithymia and quality of life (p < 0.05), and a significant negative relationship between health locus of control and illness perception with quality of life (p < 0.05).

Attention to health locus of control and providing training to strengthen internal locus of control, designing psychological interventions based on illness perception, and training in emotional expression and management for psychosomatic patients like those with cardiac conditions are recommended.