A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PERSONALITY FACTORS AND MENTAL HEALTH COMPONENTS IN HEART PATIENTS AND NORMAL ONES.

This study compares the personality profile and psychological factors of heart patients with normal people. The aim was identifying personality traits and psychological factors that relate to people who suffer from heart diseases, and help them to cope with problems and adjust with life.

Method &Material: The method of this study was post hoc. For this purpose 105 people selected from Shahid Madani center and filled (NEO) personality inventory and psychological factor scale (DASS). Then 94 people were selected as matched group.

Results: The result showed neuroticism was high in heart patients (p<0.05). Also there were significant differences in openness in normal people (p<0.001). Depression and stress was high in heart patients (p<0.05). And anxiety was high in these patients too (p<0.001).

Conclusion: In general the result of this research demonstrated that the factors of neuroticism, c onscientious, depression, anxiety, and stress are high. However, openness is low in heart patients. Hence, the study shows that people who suffer from heart diseases need psychotherapy.