Beyond the Physical: Meaning of Life and Stress Coping Strategies with Broken Heart Syndrome

Background Broken heart syndrome (BHS), also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), is a temporary cardiac condition triggered by acute stress, with emotional or physical events often acting as precipitating factors. This study examines the psychosocial aspects of TTC by exploring meaning in life, the perceived impact of stress, perceived social support, and stress-coping strategies among TTC patients and healthy individuals. Methods A cross-sectional method was employed. Eighty participants (40 TTC patients, age: M = 39.92, SD = 13.30, and 40 matched healthy participants, Age: M = 31.50, SD = 10.71) were assessed. Results TTC patients scored significantly lower on measures of meaning in life and practical coping, while they scored higher on wishful thinking and the perceived negative impact of stress. Both practical and wishful coping strategies were positively correlated with meaning in life, and this relationship was not moderated by the perceived impact of stress and social support. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of enhancing life meaning and individuals’ perception of stressful events to improve resilience and coping mechanisms in individuals with TTC.