Personality Patterns in Young Males with Coronary Disease

Abstract

In this study, the personality of young males recently hospitalized for myocardial infarction is evaluated, using a battery of projective tests and paper and pencil tests. Similar data are available on young males awaiting serious surgery and on young males hospitalized for benign skin disorders. Pre-surgery and post-coronary subjects reflect in psychological tests, special anxiety regarding imminent death and physical incapacity, coronary patients significantly more so than pre-surgery cases. In addition, coronary patients reveal a pattern of personality characteristics, including chronic restlessness, underlying passivity, and suppressed hostility, which may have a bearing on the propensity of this group for coronary disease.