The implications of integrating positive psychological frameworks into clinical practice in cardiac surgery

Abstract

There is a growing recognition of the significance of the mental and emotional readiness of patients prior to undergoing heart surgery. Self Determination Theory, a part of Positive Psychology delves into the realms of happiness, drive, and satisfaction in life. This theory highlights the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness as fundamental basic psychological needs necessary for attaining life satisfaction, motivation, and psychological well-being. To examine these aspects in this study, it is assessed the levels of basic psychological needs, motivation levels, and levels of psychological energy of patients undergoing heart surgery. Basic Psychological Needs Scale, Motivation Scale, and Psychological Energy Scale are used for data collection. Through an analysis involving independent samples t-tests on 55 patients, the research findings revealed these psychological outcomes associated with heart surgery. Following heart surgery, participants showed decreases in their levels of psychological needs satisfaction, motivation, and psychological energy.