Title
The Influence of relational factors on men's adjustment to their partners' newly-diagnosed breast cancer
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Psychiatry
Publication Date
2006-05-24
Document Type
Article
Subjects
*Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Attitude to Health; Breast Neoplasms; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; *Interpersonal Relations; Male; Middle Aged; *Sexual Partners; Social Support
Disciplines
Health Services Research | Mental and Social Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry | Psychiatry and Psychology
Abstract
Steadily rising breast cancer rates in America's women are forcing more men to confront challenges of living with a partner afflicted with this disease. This study assesses teh impact of mutual emotional support as perceived by male partners on their adjustment to the diagnosis and the illness and on interactions between their perceived emotional support nd their coping methods. Seventy-one male partners of newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients completed standardized instruments that measured emotional wellbeing, illness intrusiveness, emotional support, dyadic coping styles and demographic factors. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between perceived emotional support and men's coping strategies, and between coping styles and illness intrusiveness. Also, a history of depression predisposes men to poorer adjustment and affects their coping patterns. Findings suggest that as the health care system continues to relocate burden of care to partners and families, social workers must increase their understanding of how to effectively assist patients' partners. This study emphasizes the need to work with patients and partners to develop positive coping strategies as a couple.
DOI of Published Version
10.1300/J077v23n02_03
Source
J Psychosoc Oncol. 2006;23(2-3):23-43. DOI: 10.1300/J077v23n02_03
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Journal of psychosocial oncology
Related Resources
Repository Citation
Feldman, Barry N. and Broussard, C. Anne, "The Influence of relational factors on men's adjustment to their partners' newly-diagnosed breast cancer" (2006). Systems and Psychosocial Advances Research Center Publications and Presentations. 473.
https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/psych_cmhsr/473
Comments
At the time of publication, Barry Feldman was not yet affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School.