A.P.Greeff , PhD, A.van der Poel, MA

THE MARITAL RELATIOSHIP FOLLOWING CORONARY BYPASS SURGERY: THE IMPACT ON THE PATIENT AND THE FAMILY

Department of Psychology, University of Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Abstract: The primary aim of this project was to assess the effect of coronary bypass graft surgery on certain aspects of the marital relationship and family functioning of patients. An experimental pre- and posttest research design was used. The results indicated that bypass surgery had a negative effect on the patients’ marital satisfaction, communication and attitudes towards the division of roles in the marriage and family. Bypass surgery had a further negative influence on the emotional bonding of the patients and their spouses with other members of the family. The patients’ adaptability regarding new challenges facing the family was also affected negatively. The patients who were still working also showed a greater decline than the retired patients with regard to some of the measured variables. The coping strategies used most often by the families were the seeking of spiritual support and the reframing of the problem.

Keywords: cardiovascular, coronary, graft surgery, marriage, family, coping, adaptability