Title
Men's adjustment to their partners' breast cancer: a dyadic coping perspective
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Psychiatry
Date
5-17-2006
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
*Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Breast Neoplasms; Emotions; Female; Humans; Male; Men; Middle Aged; Questionnaires
Disciplines
Health Services Research | Mental and Social Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry | Psychiatry and Psychology
Abstract
The continuing increase in cancer rates among women in the United States is forcing more men to experience the impact of breast cancer on their relationships. Using 71 male partners of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, this study assessed how dyadic coping strategies affected men's adjustment to their partners' illness. While their partners were undergoing treatment, participants completed standardized instruments that measured emotional well-being, illness intrusiveness, and dyadic coping styles. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between coping styles and illness intrusiveness. In addition, depression predisposed men to poorer adjustment and affected their coping patterns. The findings emphasize that social workers must work with patients and partners to develop positive couple coping strategies. Practice implications for social workers are addressed.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Health Soc Work. 2006 May;31(2):117-27. Link to article on publisher's website
Comments
At the time of publication, Barry Feldman was not yet affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School.