Couple-Relationships and Cancer Adaptation

Hoda Badr, Zeba Ahmad

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter reviews descriptive and intervention research on quality of life (QOL) for patients and caregivers during and after cancer treatment. Starting from the point of diagnosis, patients face challenges to their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Since couple relationships are a primary coping resource for people with cancer, spousal caregivers face many of the same challenges as patients. Low caregiver self-efficacy, poor self-care, and communication difficulties have been associated with negative outcomes for both the caregiver and patient. While many couples report that cancer brought them closer together, the illness can introduce conflict through issues of sex and fertility as well as shifting responsibilities and expectations. Couple-based interventions, which see the couple as a unit of care, have yielded small but beneficial outcomes in relationship, psychological, and physical health. Limitations of these interventions and some ideas for future research are described.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Wiley Encyclopedia of Health Psychology
Subtitle of host publicationBiological Bases of Health Behavior: Volume 1, The Social Bases of Health Behavior: Volume 2, Clinical Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine: Volume 3, Special Issues in Health Psychology: Volume 4
Publisherwiley
PagesV2:81-V2:88
ISBN (Electronic)9781119057840
ISBN (Print)9781119057833
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2020

Keywords

  • cancer adaptation
  • caregiving
  • close relationships
  • communication
  • couple-based interventions
  • families
  • intimacy
  • quality of life
  • symptom management

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