Social Support as a Protective Shield Against Daily Triggers: The Impact of Relationship Quality and Quantity on the Happiness of Open-Heart Surgery Patients with Childhood Trauma

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to examine the moderating role of relationship quality and quantity in mitigating the negative effects of daily triggers on the happiness of cardiac patients with adverse childhood experiences.

Methodology: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted using a multivariate hierarchical linear modeling approach. The statistical population comprised patients undergoing open-heart surgery at Shahid Rajaei Heart Hospital in 2022, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and daily assessments, including happiness, trigger intensity, and measurements of relationship quality and quantity.

Findings: The results indicated that daily triggers had a significant negative effect on patients' happiness. Relationship quality acted as a strong buffering factor, reducing the negative impact of daily triggers. Additionally, the quantity of relationships (duration of social interactions) played a moderating role in maintaining the patients' happiness.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of social support in maintaining the mental health of cardiac patients. High-quality social relationships create a psychological shield that prevents a decline in happiness when facing daily triggers. Clinical interventions focused on enhancing social interactions and psychological support may contribute to improving the quality of life for these patients.