Targeting the Psychosexual Challenges Faced by Couples with Breast Cancer: Can Couples Group Psychotherapy Help?

Abstract

The need for the psychosexual rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors and their intimate partners is underscored by the high prevalence of multiple psychosexual difficulties encountered by this patient population. Concerns about health, sexuality, and emotional distress are common among women with breast cancer and are often related to the side effects of cancer treatment. Additionally, both intimate relationship problems and partners’ distress are likely to influence patients’ psychosexual health. A clearer understanding of these complex clinical issues is needed in order to implement effective psychosexual rehabilitation interventions. In this article, we extended the use of the manualized and empirically validated Supportive-Expressive Group Therapy (SEGT) model to target the specific psychosexual needs of couples with breast (as well as other types of) cancer. In view of the pertinent literature in this area and based on our clinical experience utilizing this group therapy model with different patient populations, we have discussed how clinicians involved in the psychosexual care of oncology patients could apply such a model within a couples group therapy format.

Mood State of Women with Breast Cancer and that of Their Spouses

“…The findings in the women agree with the study reported by Gao et al, 15 who state that emotional alterations can persist until after the treatment in 50% of these individuals. Lagana et al, 11 in turn, indicate that the spouses of these women presented emotional impairment.…”

“…It would be necessary to delve into these couples if over time this condition can be overcome, as expressed by Webber et al 7 With respect to the higher fatigue average in women than in their spouses, this result is coherent with that documented in literature, which highlights fatigue in women as consequence of the effects of the treatment that -in turn -impact upon the emotional dimension. 11 From the correlation, the mood of women and of their spouses has a significantly positive relationship, which shows how a person's mood level affects the couple. 11 This finding guides nursing care interventions aimed at the dyads to improve, or maintain mood at positive levels, so that women obtain greater support from their spouses, as proposed by the American Psychological Association.…”

“…11 From the correlation, the mood of women and of their spouses has a significantly positive relationship, which shows how a person's mood level affects the couple. 11 This finding guides nursing care interventions aimed at the dyads to improve, or maintain mood at positive levels, so that women obtain greater support from their spouses, as proposed by the American Psychological Association. 4 Thus, our results are determinant because they permit broadening knowledge in so far as they statistically validate the mood levels of couples, agreeing with that stated by Huston and Burgess -retaken by Giraldo,15 who conclude that due to the couple's condition, we may lead "on the one hand, to the process of interaction to take place with greater frequency within a range of circumstances, and in this case they are linked to the situation faced by women with breast cancer.…”

“…10 Although the literature focuses mainly on women with breast cancer, some studies indicate that between 20% and 30% of men whose spouses endure this disease have emotional alterations characterized by mood swings and depression against the diagnosis and treatment of the women. 11 Lagana et al, 11 state that treatment of breast cancer alters life events and generates significant emotional impact on patients and their partners. The emotional repercussions of breast cancer and its treatments, like mastectomy, are transferred and generate mood swings in the spouse, 11 that is, suffering, feelings of incapacity to provide support and empathy, adoption of the role of "protective guardian", isolation in their own feelings -which generates a communication block with the partner-, disability in functions, and difficulty in helping their wives cope with the disease and treatment.…”

“…11 Lagana et al, 11 state that treatment of breast cancer alters life events and generates significant emotional impact on patients and their partners. The emotional repercussions of breast cancer and its treatments, like mastectomy, are transferred and generate mood swings in the spouse, 11 that is, suffering, feelings of incapacity to provide support and empathy, adoption of the role of "protective guardian", isolation in their own feelings -which generates a communication block with the partner-, disability in functions, and difficulty in helping their wives cope with the disease and treatment. 12 Distancing and escape-avoidance of the spouses relates to a high level of stress and to symptoms of depression.…”