Background: The relationship between coping styles and psychological adaptation during the recovery process was investigated in a sample of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.

Methods: One hundred and fifty patients from Shahid Rajaee Heart Center, Tehran, Iran, were included in this study at intake and forty five patients (27 men, 18 women) participated in the follow-up study. All participants were asked to complete the Tehran Coping Styles Scale (TCSS) and Mental Health Inventory (MHI). The Recovery Process Questionnaire (RPQ) was completed using each patient's medical file and clinical examinations by cardiologists. Styles of coping with stress were categorized as problem-focused, positive emotional-focused and negative emotional-focused. Psychological adaptation included psychological well-being and psychological distress.

Results: Objective recovery status showed no significant correlation with either coping styles or psychological adaptation. Perceived recovery revealed a significant positive association with negative emotional-focused coping (p<0.05), but no significant correlation with other coping and psychological adaptation variables. Perceived recovery revealed a significant negative association with psychological distress (p<0.05), but showed no significant correlation with psychological well-being.

Conclusions: Perceived recovery in CHD patients is positively influenced by negative emotional-focused coping styles. Results and implications are discussed specifically in terms of the possible reasons for the positive relationship between perceived recovery and negative emotional-focused coping.