Mutuality of distress and support in couples including a cancer patient

Author(s): Henrich, G., Beutel, M., Sellschopp, A.

Journal/Book: Psychother Psychosom Med Psyc. 1998; 48: P O Box 30 11 20, D-70451 Stuttgart, Germany. Georg Thieme Verlag. 358-368.

Abstract: Sources of distress and support were assessed in a prospective study covering 149 couples with a cancer patient on outpatient chemotherapy, with an overall equally high impact of disease. Distress levels in spouses were found as high as in patients, showing a moderate relation within couples. From multivariate regression analyses spouses' distress proved predominantly determined by characteristics of illness. When broken down according to gender, factors contributing to couples' distress varied. Couples' distress was found more closely related to each other with female patients, with spouses relying more on their ill wives, compared to couples with male patients. Whereas female patients' distress was determined by the degree of role limitations, male patients appeared more vulnerable to the psychological impact of illness. Though couples' estimated social support from various sources was estimated greatly helpful, no effects were found on patients' and spouses' distress, respectively. Conclusions in respect of family-oriented interventions are discussed.

Note: Article Keller M, TUM, Polklin Psychosomat Med, Klinikum Rechts Isar, Langerstr 3, D-81675 Munich, GERMANY

Keyword(s): cancer; spouses; couples; distress; social support; psychosocial intervention; PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION; MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS; LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS; CHRONIC ILLNESS; BREAST-CANCER; PERSPECTIVE; SPOUSES; ADJUSTMENT; HEALTH; FAMILY

Zurück | Weiter