Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Tiana Cates and I am a second-year student on a pre-nursing track. I am from Coral Springs, Florida, and I plan to become a nurse practitioner following my undergrad years. I am interested in research surrounding anatomy and biology, such as how to prevent certain viruses/diseases, as well as which communities may be predisposed to certain illnesses. A fun fact about myself is that I am in an a cappella group here on campus!

Post Traumatic Growth and Mental Health after Cardiovascular Events and Procedures

Abstract

Over the past several years, new research has been conducted regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and their effect on post-traumatic growth (PTG), or positive psychological changes seen after a traumatic event. A large number of trauma survivors have been found to develop post-traumatic growth, rather than post-traumatic stress disorder. Most of the literature studied in this analysis was conducted after patients underwent cardiovascular events and/or surgeries, such as myocardial infarctions (MI), strokes, coronary artery diseases (CAD), heart attacks, etc. Patients were given follow-up questionnaires such as the Post-traumatic Growth Index (PTGI) in order to assess their physical and mental state following cardiovascular illnesses. Recent literature has been looking at the correlation between CVD and PTG, finding that there are many positive relationships between CVD and PTG traits, such as social support, appreciation of life, extraversion, spiritual well-being, amongst others. While this research is still within its developmental stage and has not found any concrete conclusions at this time, it is important to review in order to determine which factors can increase PTG following a CVD event.

Keywords: cardiovascular, post-traumatic growth, health, surgery