A Contemporary Review of Psychosocial Resilience in Heart Failure Using the Society to Cells Resilience Theory

• Main Author: Abshire Saylor M.
• Other Authors: Mahidol University
• Format: Review
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Medicine
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/90025

Purpose of Review: This scoping review critically evaluates the psychosocial resilience literature in heart failure (HF), utilizing the Society to Cells Resilience Theory. We reviewed studies published in the last five years with the following inclusion criteria: (1) studied resilience or concepts related to resilience including psychological stress or coping; (2) observational, retrospective or prospective, or clinical trials; (3) included adults with HF, their caregivers or providers; and (4) were written in English. Recent Findings: Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria; most studies were observational (n = 15) and two were intervention studies. Resilience is both a process and capacity, with studies revealing associations between resilience and self-care, medication adherence, quality of life, and depressive symptoms. Interventions demonstrated improved resilience, while factors like caregiver burden, depression, spiritual belief, and coping strategies influenced resilience. Specific periods of resilience occurred when persons with HF patients and their families faced additional challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or care transitions. While individual psychological aspects were the focus of most studies, some studies examined the impact of societal and community factors on resilience. The literature has yet to fully explore the influence of higher-level community and system factors on outcomes. Summary: Psychosocial resilience in HF is an emerging and multifaceted field, with complex processes, but additional studies are needed to examine structural influences on resilience in HF. Current findings unveil essential future directions for resilience theory development and research. Understanding the interplay between contextual circumstances is crucial for developing targeted interventions which improve resilience.