Preparing subjects for stressful medical operations

Abstract

In this article different psychological techniques employed in the reduction of stress in medical examination and Operation situations are reviewed. Two great categories can be distinguished: problem-centred and emotion-centred therapies. Subject characteristics most studied in this field are: anxiety vs. control, external vs. internal locus of control, active vs. passive coping, experienced vs. inexperienced and denial vs. worrying. In studies carried out in this field, an evident distinction among different techniques appears as a function of characteristics of subjects whom they are applied to.