The Role of Spirituality and Forgiveness in Psychological Symptoms of Coronary Heart Patients

Abstract

In recent years, causal studies have emphasized the role of biological, psychosocial, and spiritual dimensions in the emergence and exacerbation of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of spirituality and forgiveness in psychological symptoms in patients with coronary heartdisease. Therefore 96 patients admitted to the hospitals and clinics of medical diagnosis of coronary heart disease in 1396, were selected by purposive sampling method and answered the items of: Spiritual Tendencies (Sharifi, Mehrabi), Passed Questionnaire (Worthington, Hook & Witvliet) and a short form of Mental Indications (Dora). The results of correlation and stepwise regression analysis showed that there were negative correlations between the dimensions of spirituality and psychological symptoms. Psychological symptom subscales had significant negative relationships with spiritual beliefs, a sense of achievement spiritual, and religious self-realization, spiritual and social activities. Symptoms subscales as well as psychological and emotional dimensions of forgiveness decision had a significant negative correlation. Variables spirituality and forgiveness significantly predict and reduce psychological symptoms. The results of spirituality and forgiveness-based training programs can be used to promote mental health in different patients.

Keywords

• spirituality
• forgiveness
• psychological symptoms
• coronary heart disease