Predicting change in depression following renal transplantation: Effect of patient coping preferences

Alan J. Christensen, University of Iowa
Shawna L. Ehlers
Katherine A. Raichle
Andrew J. Bertolatus
William J. Lawton

Abstract

Improvement in patient quality of life is a central goal of renal transplantation. This study examined the hypothesis that change in depression following transplantation would vary as a function of patient coping preferences. Sixty patients were assessed with the Krantz Health Opinion Survey and the Beck Depression Inventory while on the waiting list for a cadaveric renal transplant. Patients were reassessed approximately 12 months later. Among the 33 patients receiving a transplant during the follow-up period, those with a high preference for health-related information exhibited a substantial reduction in depression. In contrast, patients low in preference for information showed a slight increase in depression. Among the 27 patients who were not transplanted during the follow-up period, preference for information had no effect on depression. Patient differences in preference for behavioral involvement did not exert a significant effect on depression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved)