Date of Submission

2020

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Stephanie Felgoise, Ph.D., ABPP

First Advisor

Stephanie Felgoise, Ph.D., ABPP

Second Advisor

Michelle Lent, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Victoria Vetter, M.D., FAAP, FACC

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether cognitions and coping skills predict scar acceptance and body esteem in women 18 years and older with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) or pacemakers. A convenience sample of 272 individuals responded to a Facebook post. The measures were a demographic questionnaire, the Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised (Short) (SPSI-R:S), the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ), the Florida Patient Acceptance Survey, and the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD). Pearson correlation coefficient results revealed a moderate negative correlation between Negative Problem Orientation (NPO) and Body Esteem (Weight), r (28) = -.345, p < .001; Positive Problem Orientation (PPO) and Body Esteem (Appearance) had a moderate positive correlation r (28) = .432, p < .001. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis results revealed that age was predictive of scar appearance acceptance (from the PSAQ-Appearance), F(1, 58) = 23.002, p < .000. Age and problem solving ability (from the SPSI-R:S total standard score) were predictive of perception of scar appearance (from the PSAQ_Appearance), F(1, 64) = 24.578, p < .000. The results of this study indicate that body esteem for women with ICDs or pacemakers is influenced by problem solving skills and thinking styles. Findings further suggested that positive appraisal of the device is positively associated with good social problem solving skills. This research may guide health care workers and mental health clinicians to better assist women in the preoperative and postoperative phases of surgery resulting in scarring.

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