The Oculus: Proceedings of the U21 Undergraduate Research Conference
Understanding Couple Dynamics in Cancer Survivorship: A Pilot Study Courtney Marie Beyers University of Connecticut
Abstract
Previous research literature reveals that many cancer survivors report negative, and often positive, shortand long-term impacts of their disease and also, in some cases, partners of cancer survivors may report equal or even greater impact on themselves. To be specific, impacts may include sexual changes, psychological and identity changes, resilience and psychological growth, psychological distress, health effects, health behaviors, marital satisfaction, and quality of life. The primary goal of this pilot study it to first examine how those who are diagnosed with and treated for cancer, as well as their partners, deal individually and as a couple with the experience and related impacts. The secondary goal of this pilot study is the demonstration of feasibility for test instruments employed, in preparation for the development of a more extensive research program. Both positive and negative impacts will be considered. This pilot study includes both quantitative and qualitative research (mixed) methods. To generate quantitative data, 100 couples completed a questionnaire with a series of scales and several open-ended questions. Questionnaires considered both the participant’s own point of view and the point of view of their partner. Therefore, the perceptions participants have of partners’ point of view are addressed. Ten couples were also interviewed to provide complementary qualitative information. I personally focused on the analysis of qualitative data and coding for major themes through my research practica in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. This work represents my contribution to the larger interdisciplinary and collaborative teamwork of the University of Connecticut Cancer Survivorship Research Program. This research will make a significant contribution to knowledge of cancer’s effects on survivors and their partners, and provide pilot data necessary to inform future, and more extensive, longitudinal research.
Introduction
T
he purpose of this research study is to understand how cancer survivors, at a range of times from their diagnosis, feel that they have been impacted by their cancer experience. This may be in either negative or positive ways, and we want to understand both. Also, some research shows that often partners are as affected, again in both positive and negative ways, as the survivors (Hagedoorn et al, 2008; Manne & Bayr, 2008). To our knowledge, the degree to which each partner understands the impact on the other has not yet been considered. At this initial stage there is no precise hypothesis testing, but rather, the research questions can be framed as the following: do survivors and partners of survivors report equally large levels of impact?; do survivors and partners report more positive or more negative impacts?; how well can survivors and their partners perceive/predict the amount of impact on the other person?; does the “quality” of perception of the other’s impact affect marital quality and wellbeing?; do couples who have symmetry on impact (both high or low) report different impacts or have differential well-being? A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing, both for an individual as well as for his or her partner. Along with the physical changes that can occur such an event, emotional and cognitive shifts are also present. Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship all have the potential to affect the
relationship, as well as individual distress levels. For example, several researchers refer to prostate cancer as a “relationship disease,” due to its significant impact on the patient’s partner (Banthia, Malcarne, Varni, Ko, Sadler, & Greenbergs, 2003). Recent reviews (Hagedoorn et al, 2008; Kim & Given, 2008; Manne & Bayr, 2008) have revealed how couples deal with cancer and its impact. For example, caregivers for a spouse with cancer often experience negative psychological effects and distress to equal or higher degree than the patient (Cliff & MacDonagh, 2000; Harden, 2005; Kim & Given, 2008; Kornblith, Herr, Ofman, Scher, & Holland, 1994; Northouse, Mood, Templin, Mellon, & George, 2000; Peleg-Oren & Sherer, 2001; Pitceathly & Maguire, 2003). At the same time, one’s spouse can serve as the main source of support during this experience in several types of cancer (Davison, Goldenberg, Gleave, & Degner, 2003; Ell, Nishimoto, Mantell, & Harnovitch, 1988). Distinct gender differences regarding the perceptions of male cancer survivors and female caretakers have been reported by existing studies. Marital satisfaction and the amount of support perceived can often be viewed in a different manner by husbands and wives (Baider & Bengel, 2001). Previous research suggests that women who care for a male partner with cancer experience higher levels of psychological distress than their husbands (Hagedoorn, Buunk, Kuijer, Wobbes, & Sanderman, 2000; Hagedoorn, Sanderman, Ranchor,
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