La coppia di fronte alla malattia cardiaca: il ruolo della relazione nel processo di cura

[Autom. eng. transl.] Acute heart disease and the treatment process associated with it can put a strain on not only the well-being of the patient affected by a cardiac event, but also that of his family. In this critical situation the couple relationship can be a key element both in promoting and in hindering the adaptation of the patient and the success of the treatment process. The research on stress management in couples has shown that the way in which patients and partners cope with heart disease cannot be understood in purely individual terms, but must be addressed starting from a dyadic and relational perspective, as is clearly shown in the literature on dyadic coping. In light of these premises, this chapter is divided into two parts. A first part will be dedicated to show the importance of taking a dyadic and relational perspective in the field of heart disease, offering a review of the literature on the subject and presenting the results of a recent research aimed at exploring the role of individual and relational factors in patients and partners struggling with an acute cardiac event. Finally, the chapter presents some implications for research and intervention in this area.