Resilience in Families that have Experienced Heart-Related Trauma

The aim of this study was to identify resilience qualities in families in the wake of heart-related trauma of one of their members. The theoretical framework of this study was the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation, which represents a paradigmatic shift from a pathological to a strength-based view of a family. Self-report questionnaires and an open-ended question were used to collect data from 22 family members who experienced the heart-related trauma. The results indicate that family time and routines, parent–child togetherness, family chores and affirming communication are key qualities for mediating family adaptation, while inflammatory communication was found to be negatively associated with family adaptation. Other relevant qualities were social support, family hardiness and a coping style where problem situations are reformulated. The identification of these qualities can serve as the focus for intervention and prevention, enhancing the quality of life for families with a cardiovascular patient.