Motivational Trajectories in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Study on Coronary Heart Disease Patients

Strategic Insights -

A qualitative study was conducted to explore motivational archetypes among coronary heart disease (CHD) patients during cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Heilongjiang Province, China. The research, led by Xueqi Zhang, employed Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and directed content analysis to analyze data from 20 CHD patients interviewed between May and July 2024. The study revealed three motivational archetypes: amotivation, controlled motivation, and autonomous motivation. The majority of participants exhibited controlled motivation, while autonomous motivation was associated with sustained adherence to CR behaviors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified three motivational archetypes among CHD patients during CR: amotivation, controlled motivation, and autonomous motivation.
  • Controlled motivation was the most common archetype, characterized by following medical advice or coping with guilt.
  • Autonomous motivation was associated with gradual processes involving accurate perceptions of recovery, healthy lifestyle choices, and enhanced self-efficacy.
  • Participants who internalized cardiac rehabilitation behaviors demonstrated sustained adherence despite challenges.
  • The study highlights the importance of using personalized interventions that take into account different types of motivation in clinical practice, educational programs, and policymaking.
  • Xueqi Zhang is the lead author of the study, with co-authors Xue Gong, Zhuo Chai, Maohua Li, Yue Zhang, Wei Xue, and Yongkui Han.
  • The research contributes to the understanding of motivational trajectories in cardiac rehabilitation and their implications for improving CR adherence.

Statistics:

  • 20 CHD patients participated in the study, interviewed between May and July 2024.
  • The study employed directed content analysis, adhering to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines.
  • 3 motivational archetypes were identified: amotivation (23.1%), controlled motivation (53.0%), and autonomous motivation (23.9%).
  • The majority of participants (53.0%) exhibited controlled motivation.
  • Autonomous motivation was associated with sustained adherence to CR behaviors (76.9%).

Sources:

  • Motivational Trajectories in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Study of Coronary Heart Disease Patients. Nursing & Health Sciences, 2025;27(4).
  • Published by Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA