Post-traumatic growth and its predictors in young and middle-aged coronary heart disease patients: a latent profile analysis

The prevalence and mortality of coronary heart disease among young and middle-aged adults are rising, and these patients experience substantial psychosocial impairment owing to the multifaceted and long-lasting symptoms of the disease. Post-traumatic growth, a positive psychological change arising from the struggle with illness, is associated with better health-promoting behaviors and prognosis. This study aimed to identify profiles of post-traumatic growth and their associated factors in young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to September 2024. In total, 513 young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease were recruited from a tertiary hospital in China. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic and clinical characteristics, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. Latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression were performed in R to identify profiles of post-traumatic growth and their predictors. Three profiles were identified: high (43.1%), moderate (44.2%), and low (12.7%) post-traumatic growth. Demographic, clinical, and psychological factors distinguished profile membership: higher growth was associated with a higher educational level, a middle-range family monthly income (1000–5000 RMB), the absence of comorbidities, fewer previous hospital admissions, longer disease duration, and higher resilience. More than half of the patients showed only moderate or low post-traumatic growth, and resilience specifically distinguished the highest growth profile. Profile-tailored, stepped psychosocial support, prioritizing recently diagnosed patients with heavier illness burden and lower resilience, may help foster growth in this population.