Patterns and the mediating role of avoidant coping style and illness perception on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: Emotional distress in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) predicts mortality, hospital readmission and quality of life. The patient's avoidant coping style and beliefs about the disease have been linked to emotional distress in CHF. However, the pattern and transmitting effects of these variables are indefinite. AIM: This study aimed to examine the links between and the potential mediating role of illness perceptions and avoidant coping style on depression and anxiety in patients with CHF. METHOD: Self-assessment data from 103 patients with CHF were subjected to path analysis in two hypothesised models. The outcome measures were coping styles, illness perception, anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Avoidant coping had a direct adverse effect on anxiety and depression. The perception of symptom burden and personal control, significantly mediated the effect between avoidant coping and anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Avoidant coping style appears to influence not only emotional distress, but also a malignant symptom perception and low sense of control over the illness.