Psychosocial Adjustment and Marital Intimacy Among Partners of Patients with Breast Cancer: A Comparison Study with Partners of Healthy Women

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the psychosocial adjustment of 70 partners of breast cancer patients by comparing their emotional adjustment and quality of life (QoL) with 70 partners of women without cancer. The role of marital intimacy in their adjustment and the moderating effect of group type were analyzed. The partners of breast cancer patients presented higher levels of anxious and depressive symptomatology; poor social, psychological, general and physical QoL; and higher levels of intimacy. The moderation analysis showed that higher levels of intimacy predicted lower levels of depression and anxiety and greater QoL only among the partners of cancer patients.

Psychological intervention with couples coping with breast cancer: A systematic review

“…The effects of breast cancer, however, extend beyond the individual patient since breast cancer initiates challenges and distressing consequences not only for patients but also for their loved ones, particularly life partners. In fact, compared to men from the general population, husbands of women with breast cancer report lower quality of life and higher levels of depression and anxiety and feelings of helplessness, exhaustion and fear (Badger et al, 2007;Lethborg, Kissane, & Burns, 2003;Moreira & Canavarro, 2013;Wagner, Bigatti, & Storniolo, 2006).…”

A comparison of younger and older couples coping with breast cancer : examining the relationship among mutuality, dyadic coping, and quality of life of patients and partners.

“…The presence of sexual dysfunctions has been associated with poorer psychological adjustment (Levin et al, 2010), worse quality of life and increased risks of depression in partners (Nakaya et al, 2010). In a more recent study, Moreira and Canavarro (2013) confirmed the presence of impaired psychological adjustment of partners of women with breast cancer. However, the authors also highlighted that higher levels of intimacy were predictive of reduced depression and greater quality of life for both members of the couple.…”

“…Changes in sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction in women with breast cancer have been associated with physical consequences of cancer treatment, psychological factors, body image concerns and relationship characteristics (Carr, 2013;Manganiello, Hoga, Reberte, Miranda, & Rocha, 2010;Moreira & Canavarro, 2013;Ussher et al, 2015). Sex specific difficulties are often associated with isolation, anxiety, depression and sense of inadequacy (Anllo, 20007;Germino, Fife & Funk, 1995;Hawkins et al, 2009;Rolland, 1994).…”

Determining Family Functioning and Relation with Depression in Breast Cancer Patients

“…Özellikle son on yılda yapılan birçok araştırmada bu uyum sü-recinde hasta birey ile birlikte ailelerin ve eşlerinin kansere yö-nelik tutumlarının değerlendirildiği çeşitli çalışmalar mevcuttur [2,3]. Kanserle başetme sürecinde ailelerin tepkileri farklı olabilmektedir.…”

“…Bu olumlu yaklaşımı içeren bir diğer çalışma-da, meme kanserli kadınların eşleri ile ilişkilerinin sağlıklı olanlara göre daha yakın olduğu ifade edilmiştir. Aynı çalışmada yakın ilişki kurabilen çiftlerde daha az depresyon ve anksiyetenin ortaya çıktığı da vurgulanmıştır [2]. Çalışmalar daha az iletişim kuran veya hastalıkla ilgili konuşmaktan kaçınan ailelerin daha çok psikolojik stres yaşadıklarını göstermiştir [7].…”