Perceived Partner Reactions to Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer: Impact on Psychosocial and Psychosexual Adjustment.

Abstract

Two studies examined breast cancer patients' perceptions of their partners' reactions to their diagnosis and treatment as influences on 3 aspects of patients' well-being: psychosexual adjustment, emotional distress, and marital satisfaction. Study 1, cross-sectional, indicated that partner initiation of sex, frequency of sex, a positive 1st sexual experience after treatment, and especially perception of the partner's emotional involvement in the relationship, were relevant to these outcomes. Study 2, longitudinal, confirmed many of these findings in prospective tests across 1 year of recovery after surgery. Partner involvement prospectively predicted all 3 outcomes. Partner initiation of sex predicted greater marital satisfaction; partner adverse reaction to the scar predicted less marital satisfaction. Rated quality of the 1st sexual experience after treatment predicted less distress. The pattern suggests that women's impressions of their partners' emotional involvement after surgery for breast cancer forecast their adjustment in sexual, marital, and emotional arenas over the following year.Women who are diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer face challenges on many levels. Most women with early-stage breast cancer (who thus have a good prognosis) do not experience severe long-term psychological problems, but almost all experience some difficulties in adjustment, particularly early in the experience (Bloom et al

Effects of optimism, interpersonal relationships, and distress on psychosexual well-being among women with early stage breast cancer

“…Using the same measure of psychosexual well-being, Wimberly, Carver, Laurenceau, Harris and Antoni (2005) found that this variable correlated an average of 0.74 across adjacent measurements, consistent with the present findings. A study of prospective relationships between social support, distress, and life disruption among breast cancer patients found that perceived social support from partners (using a different measure) changed from pre-to post-surgery and then remained relatively stable throughout the following year .…”

Psychopathological Profile of Women with Breast Cancer Based on the Symptom Checklist-90-R

“…We noted that single women with breast cancer scored higher on the interpersonal sensitivity symptom, which suggest that they may be more susceptible to problems relating to appropriately understanding others and responding accordingly. Husband is an important source of family support and his emotional involvement and understanding of the spouse's cancer experience is directly associated with psychological adjustment and outcomes (Wimberly et al, 2005;Manne et al, 2006).…”

The impact of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on sexuality: a systematic review of the literature

“…Furthermore, sexuality and intimacy can reduce emotional distress and improve psychosocial response to cancer diagnosis and complications following treatment. 16,17 However, discussion of sexual functioning has long been a subject of taboo in the healthcare system. Thus, sexual functioning is one QOL variable, in particular, that needs further research, and it is necessary to draw attention to the impact that HSCT has on the sexuality and sexual functioning in patients after HSCT.…”