Psychoanal Rev. 2026 Jun;113(2):103-129. doi: 10.1521/prev.2026.113.2.103.
ABSTRACT
This case study describes and analyzes the psychodynamic experiences of an adult hospitalized after an acute cardiac event. Pierre, a 46-year-old Brazilian man with a high level of education, sought medical care for chest pain and was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. He was immediately admitted to a hospital coronary care unit, where, after clinical stabilization, he agreed to undergo psychological assessment using self-report instruments and projective methods. While Pierre did not show clinical indicators of psychological distress on the self-report scales, his responses on the projective methods revealed signs of conflict in interpersonal relationships, with strong repression of affective experiences, suggesting difficulties in emotional management and a potential link to his physical illness. This case study, using a multimethod design, enriched the understanding of his psychological functioning and supported the identification of resources for coping with cardiac illness.
PMID:42241491 | DOI:10.1521/prev.2026.113.2.103