Influence of the cognitive style and personality features on dialysed patients’ participation in treatment process

Abstract

A goal of this research was to find an answer to the question – How personality variables influence level of patients’ involvement in treatment process? Patients with severe kidney failure treated with haemodialysis (N=58) participated in the research. Patients’ involvement in a treatment process was observes in areas of cooperation with medical staff and active searching for alternative forms of treatment (transplantation). Psychological variables subjected to observation were: mindfulness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, sense of self-efficiency, coping. Data regarding treatment process was collected from patients as well as from nurses and doctors. Results indicate that patients making an effort towards transplantation are more conscientious. Agreeableness, plasticity and active style of coping with stress have significant influence on decision regarding type of transplantation. Patients with higher level of sense of self-efficiency do not choose this type of activity. Patients’ level of mindfulness affects quality of patient-medical staff cooperation. Results of the research give important information that facilitates understanding patients’ attitude towards acceptable forms of treatment. Research indicates as well that therapeutic work on cognitive plasticity can improve cooperation between patients and medical staff.