This study attempted to identify predictors of perception and coping after the occurrence of a myocardial infarction. Sixty males and 17 females who had suffered from a myocardial infarction within 3 months prior to the research were recruited from a hospital rehabilitation program. Subjects completed the Peri-Life Events Scale, the 16-PF personality inventory, a questionnaire measuring the perception of the myocardial infarction experience, and the short form of a coping measure. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate the relationships between age, number of life events, personality perceptions of the myocardial infarction experience, personality, and coping strategies. The results suggest that personality influenced the perception of the myocardial infarction, and that coping strategies were affected by personality and perception of the myocardial infarction. The perception of the myocardial infarction experience and coping strategy were influenced by the number of life events experienced. Age was a poor predictor of perceptions and coping. Therefore, in explaining both the subjective perception and coping strategy of myocardial infarction patients, a number of personality variables seem to be important. References and tables are included. (NB)