Evaluation of the relationship between anxiety level and personality type traits in surgical patients

Surgical interventions are among the life events that create a high level of stress both physiologically and psychologically in individuals, and anxiety is frequently observed during this process. There are many individual variables that influence the level of anxiety experienced during the surgical process, and in recent years, personality structure has gained importance among these variables. In this context, individuals with Type A personality traits are suggested to respond more sensitively to stressful life events and experience higher levels of anxiety during the surgical process. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between Type A personality traits and state-trait anxiety levels in individuals scheduled for elective surgery. Designed as a descriptive and correlational study, this research was conducted in the general surgery clinic of Zonguldak Atatürk State Hospital and included 150 individuals who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Type A Personality Scale. According to the findings, a significant and positive correlation was found between Type A personality traits and both state and trait anxiety levels. Additionally, some sociodemographic variables were also found to affect anxiety levels. The results obtained from this study may serve as a guide in developing individualized nursing care plans and identifying psychological support needs in surgical patients