Goal disturbance predicts health-related quality of life and depression 4 months after myocardial infarction

Objectives. The aim of this longitudinal study was to determine whether the event of a myocardial infarction (MI) would lead to a disturbance in important higher-order goals, and whether goal disturbance could predict health-related quality of life (HRQL) and depression 4 months later, in addition to baseline scores, demographic characteristics, presence of anginal complaints (AP) or chest pain, coping strategies and social support. Method. A total of 113 MI patients completed questionnaires shortly after hospitalization (T1) and 4 months later (T2), assessing (an impact of the event on) important higher-order goals (T1), disease-related coping strategies (T1), perceived adequacy of social support (T2), AP (T2), HRQL, and depression (T2). Two separate hierarchical regression analyses were performed with HRQL and depression at T2 as dependent variables. Results. The results suggest that the experience of an MI has an impact on the attainment of higher-order goals. Goal disturbance is an independent predictor of both HRQL and depression after MI. Conclusion. A goal theory perspective can provide additional insights into HRQL outcomes after an MI.