Skip to main content Accessibility help

We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Close cookie message
×
Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-v9fdk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-04T17:19:07.341Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Coping with stressful medical procedures

from Psychology, health and illness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2014

By
Yael Benyamini
Edited by
Susan Ayers ,
Andrew Baum ,
Chris McManus ,
Stanton Newman ,
Kenneth Wallston ,
John Weinman  and
Robert West
Yael Benyamini
Affiliation:
Tel Aviv University
Susan Ayers
Affiliation:
University of Sussex
Andrew Baum
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh
Chris McManus
Affiliation:
St Mary's Hospital Medical School
Stanton Newman
Affiliation:
University College and Middlesex School of Medicine
Kenneth Wallston
Affiliation:
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
John Weinman
Affiliation:
United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St Thomas's
Robert West
Affiliation:
St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London
Get access

Summary

Stressful medical procedures range from highly stressful ones, such as major surgery and chemotherapy, to simple procedures such as immunizations and blood tests. Though such procedures vary greatly in the degree of physical intrusiveness, pain and discomfort they cause, the stress experienced by patients results not only from these physical factors but also from the subjective meaning of the procedure for the patient and his/her resources for coping (Scott et al., 2001; Wallace, 1985) (see ‘Abortion’; ‘Coronary heart disease: surgery’; ‘Chemotherapy’ and ‘Intimate examinations’). The physical aspects are interpreted within the subjective framework, which determines the extent of psychological reactions. Therefore, in order to understand how patients cope with these procedures and how to assist them in their effort, health care providers must understand both the objective and the subjective aspects of this experience.

Undergoing a medical procedure entails coping with the procedure itself and coping with the accompanying negative feelings (mainly anxiety). Such feelings are related to the context in which the procedure is carried out, for example, cancer as highly anxiety-provoking (Schou et al., 2004), infertility as a low-control situation (Terry & Hynes, 1998), coronary artery bypass surgery or transplant surgery, which elicit fears due to the uncertainty involved (Heikkila et al., 1999; Jalowiec et al., 1994). Negative feelings also arise from discrepancies between prior expectancies or pre-existing imaginings and the actual procedure (e.g. the difference between the expectation and the reality of giving birth, see Katz, 1993; Slade et al., 1993).

Type
Chapter
Information
Cambridge Handbook of Psychology, Health and Medicine , pp. 59 - 63
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2007

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Becker, G. & Nachtigall, R. D. (1991). Ambiguous responsibility in the doctor-patient relationship: the case of infertility. Social Science and Medicine, 32(8), 875–85.Google Scholar
Bernard, R. S., Cohen, L. L., McClellan, C. B. & MacLaren, J. E. (2004). Pediatric procedural approach – avoidance coping and distress: a multitrait-multimethod analysis. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 29(2), 131–41.Google Scholar
Blount, R. L., Bunke, V., Cohen, L. L. & Forbes, C. J. (2001). The child-adult medical procedure interaction scale-short form (CAMPIS-SF): validation of a rating scale for children's and adults' behaviors during painful medical procedures. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 22(1), 591–9.Google Scholar
Blyth, E. & Landau, R. (Eds.). (2004). Third party assisted conception across cultures: social, legal and ethical perspectives. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Cohen, H. & Britten, N. (2003). Who decides about prostate cancer treatment? A qualitative study. Family Practice, 20(6), 724–9.Google Scholar
Culver, J. L., Arena, P. L., Antoni, M. H. & Carver, C. S. (2002). Coping and distress among women under treatment for early stage breast cancer: comparing African Americans, Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites. Psycho-Oncology, 11(6), 495–504.Google Scholar
Fauerbach, J. A., Lawrence, J. W., Haythornthwaite, J. A. & Richter, L. (2002). Coping with the stress of a painful medical procedure. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40(9), 1003–15.Google Scholar
Feigin, R., Greenberg, A., Ras, H.et al. (2000). The psychosocial experience of women treated for breast cancer by high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplant: a qualitative analysis of support groups. Psycho-Oncology, 9(1), 57–68.Google Scholar
Gammon, J. & Mulholland, C. W. (1996). Effect of preparatory information prior to elective total hip replacement on post-operative physical coping outcomes. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 33(6), 589–604.Google Scholar
Gattuso, S. M., Litt, M. D. & Fitzgerald, T. E. (1992). Coping with gastrointestinal endoscopy: self-efficacy enhancement and coping style. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60(1), 133–9.Google Scholar
Hagglof, B. (1999). Psychological reaction by children of various ages to hospital care and invasive procedures. Acta Paediatrica Supplement, 88(431), 72–8.Google Scholar
Hawthorne, M. H. (1994). Gender differences in recovery after coronary artery surgery. Image – the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 26(1), 75–80.Google Scholar
Heikkila, J., Paunonen, M., Virtanen, V. & Laippala, P. (1999). Gender differences in fears related to coronary arteriography. Heart and Lung, 28(1), 20–30.Google Scholar
Jalowiec, A., Grady, K. L. & White-Williams, C. (1994). Stressors in patients awaiting a heart transplant. Behavioral Medicine, 19(4), 145–54.Google Scholar
Karanci, A. N. & Dirik, G. (2003). Predictors of pre- and postoperative anxiety in emergency surgery patients. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 55(4), 363–9.Google Scholar
Katz, V. L. (1993). Two trends in middle-class birth in the United States. Human Nature, 4(4), 367–82.Google Scholar
Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., Page, G. G., Marucha, P. T., MacCallum, R. C. & Glaser, R. (1998). Psychological influences on surgical recovery. Perspectives from psychoneuroimmunology. American Psychologist, 53(11), 1209–18.Google Scholar
Kopp, M., Bonatti, H., Haller, C.et al. (2003). Life satisfaction and active coping style are important predictors of recovery from surgery. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 55(4), 371–7.Google Scholar
Kornguth, P. J., Keefe, F. J., Wright, K. R. & Delong, D. M. (2000). Mammography pain in women treated conservatively for breast cancer. Journal of Pain, 1(4), 268–74.Google Scholar
Krohne, H. W., de-Bruin, J. T., El-Giamal, M. & Schmukle, S. C. (2000). The assessment of surgery-related coping: the coping with surgical stress scale (COSS). Psychology and Health, 15(1), 135–49.Google Scholar
Krohne, H. W. & Slangen, K. E. (2005). Influence of social support on adaptation to surgery. Health Psychology, 24(1), 101–5.Google Scholar
Kulik, J. A., Mahler, H. I. & Moore, P. J. (1996). Social comparison and affiliation under threat: effects on recovery from major surgery. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 71(5), 967–79.Google Scholar
LaMontagne, L. L., Hepworth, J. T. & Cohen, F. (2000). Effects of surgery type and attention focus on children's coping. Nursing Research, 49(5), 245–52.Google Scholar
LaMontagne, L. L., Hepworth, J. T., Cohen, F. & Salisbury, M. H. (2004). Adolescents' coping with surgery for scoliosis: effects on recovery outcomes over time. Research in Nursing & Health, 27(4), 237–53.Google Scholar
LaMontagne, L. L., Hepworth, J. T., Johnson, B. D. & Cohen, F. (1996). Children's preoperative coping and its effects on postoperative anxiety and return to normal activity. Nursing Research, 45(3), 141–7.Google Scholar
Lerman, C., Rimer, B., Blumberg, B.et al. (1990). Effects of coping style and relaxation on cancer chemotherapy side effects and emotional responses. Cancer Nursing, 13(5), 308–15.Google Scholar
Leventhal, H., Meyer, D. & Nerenz, D. R. (1980). The common sense representation of illness danger. In Rachman, S. (Ed.). Contributions to medical psychology, Vol. 2, (pp. 17–30). New York: Pergamon.
Leventhal, H., Nerenz, D. R. & Steele, D. J. (1984). Illness representations and coping with health threats. In Baum, A., Taylor, S. E. & Singer, J. E. (Eds.). Handbook of psychology and health, Vol. 4, (pp. 219–52). Hillsdale, New Jersey: Erlbaum.
Lynn-McHale, D., Corsetti, A., Brady-Avis, E.et al. (1997). Preoperative ICU tours: are they helpful?American Journal of Critical Care, 6(2), 106–15.Google Scholar
Mahler, H. I. & Kulik, J. A. (2002). Effects of a videotape information intervention for spouses on spouse distress and patient recovery from surgery. Health Psychology, 21(5), 427–37.Google Scholar
Manderson, L. (1999). Gender, normality and the post-surgical body. Anthropology and Medicine, 6(3), 381–94.Google Scholar
Manne, S. L., Bakeman, R., Jacobsen, P. B.et al. (1992). Adult–child interaction during invasive medical procedures. Health Psychology, 11(4), 241–9.Google Scholar
Meechan, G. T., Collins, J. P., Moss-Morris, R. E. & Petrie, K. J. (2005). Who is not reassured following benign diagnosis of breast symptoms?Psycho-Oncology, 14, 239–46.Google Scholar
Miller, S. M., Brody, D. S. & Summerton, J. (1988). Styles of coping with threat: implications for health. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54, 142–8.Google Scholar
Miro, J. & Raich, R. M. (1999). Preoperative preparation for surgery: an analysis of the effects of relaxation and information provision. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 6(3), 202–9.Google Scholar
Mitchell, M. (1997). Patients' perceptions of pre-operative preparation for day surgery. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 26(2), 356–63.Google Scholar
Modell, J. (1989). Last chance babies: interpretations of parenthood in an in vitro fertilization program. Medical Anthropology Quarterly, 3, 124–38.Google Scholar
Morgan, J., Roufeil, L., Kaushik, S. & Bassett, M. (1998). Influence of coping style and precolonoscopy information on pain and anxiety of colonoscopy. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 48(2), 119–27.Google Scholar
Nikoletti, S., Kristjanson, L. J., Tataryn, D., McPhee, I. & Burt, L. (2003). Information needs and coping styles of primary family caregivers of women following breast cancer surgery. Oncology Nursing Forum, 30(6), 987–96.Google Scholar
O'Byrne, K. K., Peterson, L. & Lisa, S. (1997). Survey of pediatric hospitals' preparation programs: evidence of the impact of health psychology research. Health Psycholology, 16(2), 147–54.Google Scholar
O'Halloran, C. M. & Altmaier, E. M. (1995). The efficacy of preparation for surgery and invasive medical procedures. Patient Education and Counseling, 25, 9–16.Google Scholar
Olatunji, B. O., Arrindell, W. A. & Lohr, J. M. (2005). Can the sex differences in disgust sensitivity account for the sex differences in blood-injection-injury fears?Personality and Individual Differences, 39, 61–71.Google Scholar
Pate, J. T., Blount, R. L., Cohen, L. L. & Smith, A. J. (1996). Childhood medical experience and temperament as predictors of adult functioning in medical situations. Children's Health Care, 25(4), 281–98.Google Scholar
Peerbhoy, D., Hall, G. M., Parker, C., Shenkin, A. & Salmon, P. (1998). Patients' reactions to attempts to increase passive or active coping with surgery. Social Science and Medicine, 47(5), 595–601.Google Scholar
Peterson, L., Crowson, J., Saldana, L. & Holdridge, S. (1999). Of needles and skinned knees: children's coping with medical procedures and minor injuries for self and other. Health Psychology, 18(2), 197–200.Google Scholar
Rasnake, L. K. & Linscheid, T. R. (1989). Anxiety reduction in children receiving medical care: developmental considerations. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 10(4), 169–75.Google Scholar
Rosenberger, P. H., Ickovics, J. R., Epel, E. S., D'Entremont, D. & Jokl, P. (2004). Physical recovery in arthroscopic knee surgery: unique contributions of coping behaviors to clinical outcomes and stress reactivity. Psychology and Health, 19(3), 307–20.Google Scholar
Rudolph, K. D., Dennig, M. D. & Weisz, J. R. (1995). Determinants and consequences of children's coping in the medical setting: conceptualization, review and critique. Psychological Bulletin, 118(3), 328–57.Google Scholar
Salmon, K. & Pereira, J. K. (2002). Predicting children's response to an invasive medical investigation: the influence of effortful control and parent behavior. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 27(3), 227–33.Google Scholar
Scheier, M. F., Matthews, K. A., Owens, J. F.et al. (1989). Dispositional optimism and recovery from coronary artery bypass surgery: the beneficial effects on physical and psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(6), 1024–40.Google Scholar
Scheier, M. F., Matthews, K. A., Owens, J. F.et al. (1999). Optimism and rehospitalization after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Archives of Internal Medicine, 159, 829–35.Google Scholar
Schou, I., Ekeberg, O., Ruland, C. M., Sandvik, L. & Karesen, R. (2004). Pessimism as a predictor of emotional morbidity one year following breast cancer surgery. Psycho-Oncology, 13(5), 309–20.Google Scholar
Schreiber, S., Soskolne, V., Kozohovitch, H. & Deviri, E. (2004). Holocaust survivors coping with open heart surgery decades later: posttraumatic symptoms and quality of life. General Hospital Psychiatry, 26(6), 443–52.Google Scholar
Scott, S. R. H., Kent, G. & Rowlands, A. (2001). Psychological distress reported by patients undergoing limb reconstruction surgery: implications for psychological interventions. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 8(4), 301–5.Google Scholar
Shiloh, S., Mahlev, U., Dar, R. & Ben-Rafael, Z. (1998). Interactive effects of viewing a contraction monitor and information-seeking style on reported childbirth pain. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 22(5), 501–16.Google Scholar
Shiloh, S., Zukerman, G., Butin, B.et al. (2003). Postoperative patient controlled analgesia (PCA): how much control and how much analgesia?Psychology and Health, 18(6), 753–70.Google Scholar
Slade, P., MacPherson, S. A., Hume, A. & Maresh, M. (1993). Expectations, experiences and satisfaction with labour. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 32(4), 469–83.Google Scholar
Stephens, M. A., Druley, J. A. & Zautra, A. J. (2002). Older adults' recovery from surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee: psychosocial resources and constraints as predictors of outcomes. Health Psychology, 21(4), 377–383.Google Scholar
Terry, D. J. & Hynes, G. J. (1998). Adjustment to a low-control situation: reexamining the role of coping responses. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(4), 1078–92.Google Scholar
Wallace, L. M. (1985). Psychological adjustment to and recovery from laparoscopic sterilization and infertility investigation. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 29(5), 507–18.Google Scholar
Zelikovsky, N., Rodrigue, J. R. & Gidycz, C. A. (2001). Reducing parent distress and increasing parent coping-promoting behavior during children's medical procedure. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 8(4), 273–81.Google Scholar

Save book to Kindle

To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

Available formats
×

Save book to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Available formats
×