Impact of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on perceived control in spouses of recovering cardiac patients

The objectives of this study were to determine whether there are difference s in emotional distress among spouses of recovering cardiac patients based on level of perceived control, and to determine whether perceived control c an be enhanced by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. A total of 219 spouses of cardiac patients recovering from an acute cardiac event were enrolled and 196 completed the study. Spouses were assigned to either a no -treatment control group or one of two CPR training groups. Perceived contr ol and emotional adjustment were measured at baseline and again 1 month aft er subjects received CPR training. Spouses with high perceived control were less anxious, less depressed, and less hostile at baseline. Perceived cont rol increased significantly in spouses after both CPR training groups, but was unchanged in the control group. After a partner's cardiac event, percei ved control is important for psychological recovery in spouses and can be i ncreased by CPR training. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.