Deciphering the Salutogenic Effects of Close Relationships: Psycho-physiological Coregulation Processes and Their Outcomes in Couples Coping With Cardiovascular Disease

Deciphering the Salutogenic Effects of Close Relationships: Psycho-physiological Coregulation Processes and Their Outcomes in Couples Coping With Cardiovascular Disease

The established attachment theory elucidates how early human bonds bring about functional neurophysiological alterations influencing the lifelong capacity for self and co- regulation within relationships. Based on this framework, the study will investigate potential psycho-physiological co-regulation processes in couples coping with cardiovascular disease, which may explain the established link between relationship satisfaction and recovery outcomes. In the proposed prospective, longitudinal study, the investigators will follow 81 volunteer couples in which one member has experienced an Acute Coronary Syndrome and assess their levels of interactive behavioral synchrony and the accompanying physiological synchrony (the mutual coordination of spouses' autonomic nervous systems), and stress buffering (reduced reactivity to stress in the individual) as assessed by Heart Rate Variability, and Galvanic Skin Response. It is hypothesized that higher levels of physiological synchrony and stress buffering will be associated with enhanced behavioral synchrony in the lab as well as patient outcomes three months later, on three dimensions: emotional (anxiety and depression reduction); behavioral (smoking cessation, medication adherence, cardiac rehabilitation participation) and physical (weight reduction, increased fitness).

Inclusion Criteria:

• First Acute Coronary Syndrome
• In a committed relationship lasting over a year
• Registration at the Cardiac Prevention and Rehabiliation Center (CPRC)

Exclusion Criteria:

• A history of previous cardiac events
• A diagnosis other than Acute Coronary Syndrome, co-morbid conditions (such as cancer),
• Lack of Hebrew as a native language.
• Exclusion criteria for partners will be severe co-morbid conditions with life expectancy of less than 6 months (such as advanced cancer) and lack of Hebrew as a native language.