Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Kimberly McCann
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in men and women for most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Physicians are the most frequently sought-after source of support for self-management of chronic diseases of patients. Social support from physicians may help facilitate patient resiliency. This phenomenological study involved using the social support theory as the theoretical lens and health literacy as the conceptual framework to explore how CVD patients perceive experiences with their physicians foster resiliency. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect rich descriptions of CVD patient experiences. Data were analyzed by using Moustakas’ modification of the Vaan Kaam method of analysis of phenomenological data. This study provided insight regarding how CVD patients perceive to benefit from support from their physicians as they navigate through the challenges of disease management. Four main themes emerged: informational, emotional, instrumental, and appraisal support. Patients described informational, emotional, instrumental, an appraisal support as facilitating health behaviors such as adhering to treatment and improving health literacy. This research may affect social change through encouragement of physicians to nurture relationships with patients that facilitate resiliency and improved health outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Sarahbi, Sanam, "Phenomenology of How the Doctor-Patient Relationship Plays a Role in Cardiovascular" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12547.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12547
