Objectives: To evaluate the literature on the stress, coping, and quality of life of organ transplant candidates and recipients, and to place previous research within a theoretical context.
Data sources: CINAHL database, Proquest database, Google Scholar; references from articles were also reviewed to identify additional data.
Study selection: Qualitative and quantitative research studies and meta-analyses pertinent to the stress, coping, and quality of life of transplant candidates and recipients were selected.
Results: Stressors associated with the transplantation process, coping strategies of transplant patients, and quality of life or transplant patients have been well researched for many years. Patients typically use problem-focused coping strategies in response to various stressors. Transplant recipients typically report a higher quality of life than do transplant candidates; however, posttransplant quality of life does not typically equal the quality of life of healthy nonpatients.
Conclusions: The relationship between stress, coping, and quality of life of transplant patients has not yet been systematically investigated from a theoretical perspective. Recommendations for further research are provided.