| The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of three couples where one of the partners has undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Previous research has been largely quantitative and focused on discrete dimensions of marital quality, spousal support, or patient and spouse distress. However, few studies explored the experiences of couples as a marital dyad. This study expanded upon previous research to explore couples' experiences of bypass surgery and to examine the possibility of shared meanings about that event. Shared meaning refers to the congruent beliefs that a couple has about their CABG experience (Patterson, 1989; Radley & Green, 1986).;Three couples from the Cardiac Wellness Institute of Calgary were interviewed and the transcribed interviews analyzed. The descriptive phenomenological psychological method (Giorgi, 2000) was used to identify the underlying meaning structures of the couples' experiences. A phenomenological approach was most relevant to understanding the nature of undergoing CABG as a marital couple.;The analysis revealed a single structure consisting of seven interrelated constituents describing the psychological essence of the couples' experiences of bypass surgery. They are: (a) varying degrees of surprise, anxiety, and emotional upset; (b) requirement to have the surgery; (c) long-standing relational patterns and levels of marital satisfaction; (d) aggravating behaviors and attitudes, as well as strengths; (e) the fear of death; (f) concerns about independence and health contributing to marital tension; and (g) higher levels of marital satisfaction associated with more insight, learning, and alignment.;The study extended our understanding of what CABG is like for a marital dyad; it highlighted the impact of meanings or beliefs, coping styles, and marital quality on the couples' experiences of bypass surgery. The study highlighted implications for medical and psychological practitioners who work with CABG patients and their spouses. The research underscored the need for early assessment of a couple's marital functioning and coping skills. In addition, key areas for further study were noted that would advance our knowledge and understanding of couples' experiences with CABG. |
