Iranian Heart Journal

Iranian Heart Journal

Structural Equation Modeling of the Relationships Between Executive Functions and the Percentage of Artery Blockage in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: Mediation by the Big Five Personality Characteristics

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fatemeh Seid Abadi 1
Majid Kyavar 2
Akbar Nikpajouh 2
Saeed Malih al-zakerini 2
Hassan Ahadi 2
1 Department of Psychology, Azad University, Karaj Branch, Alborz, IR Iran.
2 Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine the relationship between executive functions and the percentage of artery blockage as mediated by the big 5 personality characteristics in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Accordingly, we used structural modeling to test a hypothesized model.
 
Methods: The research method was descriptive and correlational, and the statistical population was comprised of 183 patients with CVD selected via the available sampling method from those who referred to Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran, Iran. The percentage of artery blockage was recorded by coronary angiography. The measuring instruments were the Subjective Neurocognition Inventory (SNI) and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. In this regard, the data were calculated using the Spearman correlation coefficient among the factors (the SPSS software) and the path analysis (the LISREL software).
 
Results: The results showed that the personality mediated the relationship between executive functions and the percentage of artery blockage.
 
Conclusions: Executive functions were associated with the percentage of artery blockage, and a part of this relationship was mediated by the big 5 personality characteristics. Therefore, personality traits should be considered in treating patients with CVD. (Iranian Heart Journal 2020; 21(3): 73-86)
Keywords
Executive functions
Percentage of artery blockage
Big five personality characteristics
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Iranian Heart Journal
Volume 21, Issue 3
Summer 2020
Pages 64-77