The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Type D personality among patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

Seven databases were searched to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently searched, selected, extracted, and assessed the studies. The quality of studies was evaluated using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. To estimate the effect size, meta-analysis of the studies was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.0 program.

Of 1,128 publications identified, 31 studies that met the inclusion criteria were used to estimate the effect size of Type D personality. Effect size (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]) was used in the analyses. Patients with CAD who had Type D personality had higher levels of depression (SMD=0.92; 95% Confidecne Interval (CI)=0.74~1.10) and anxiety (SMD=1.19; 95% CI=0.81~1.57), but lower levels of physical and mental health-related quality of life (SMD=−0.56; 95% CI=−0.75~−0.38; SMD=−0.91; 95% CI=−1.10~−0.73). Publication bias was not detected.

Type D personality was associated with increased depression and anxiety and impaired health-related quality of life in patients with CAD. Personality and psychosocial risk screening in patients with CAD should be conducted in the clinical setting.