Neurobehavioral Medicine Consultants
Dr. Yerzley's Research: Abstract

EARLY ATTACHMENT EXPERIENCE
AS A PREDICTOR OF RESTENOSIS
AFTER CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY

Linda A. Yerzley, RN, PsyD

ABSTRACT:  The study was designed to test the hypothesis that the degree of psychological stress resulting from early attachment experienced by patients who had undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty (PTCA) is strongly related to the need to undergo a second or third angioplasty because of restenosis. The literature suggests that psychological factors play a large part in the development of coronary disease. The investigator believes that psychological factors also play a large part in the maintenance of coronary health, and argues that long-term advantages of secure attachment parenting include improved cardiac health.

Coronary Artery Angioplasty

She asserts that insufficient attention is paid to understanding the impact of poor parenting on the individual in every aspect of his or her development throughout the entire lifespan. The study was based on a causal-comparative ex-post-facto outcome design, with statistical analysis of the relationships between independent and dependent variables. The Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory (ECRI), designed to measure a participant's perception of early attachment experiences and extensively validated as a measurement instrument, was used to determined levels of avoidance and anxiety behaviors in each of twenty case studies. The statistical analysis showed that participants who restenosed had levels of anxiety and avoidance which were significantly higher than those who did not restenose, indicative of poorer early attachment experiences.

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