Couples' support-related communication, psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction among women with early stage breast cancer. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • This study examined associations between couple communication about cancer and psychological distress and relationship satisfaction of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. One hundred forty-eight couples completed a videotaped discussion of a cancer-related issue and a general issue. Patients completed measures of psychological distress and relationship satisfaction. Videotapes were coded with the Rapid Marital Interaction Coding System. Analyses focused on partner responses to patient self-disclosures. During cancer-issue discussions, patients reported less distress when partners responded to disclosures with reciprocal self-disclosure and humor and when partners were less likely to propose solutions. Fewer links between partner responses to patient self-disclosures and distress were found in general-issue discussions. Results suggest partner responses play a role in women's adaptation to breast cancer.

publication date

  • August 1, 2004

Research

keywords

  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Communication
  • Depression
  • Family Characteristics
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Social Support

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 3342879206

PubMed ID

  • 15301651

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 72

issue

  • 4