Work

Couple communication in cancer: A tale of two conceptual models.

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Cancer poses significant challenges for patients and caregiving partners. Avoidant communication has been linked to poorer psychosocial adjustment to cancer. Two conceptual models have been proposed to account for this linkage: the social-cognitive processing and relationship intimacy models. OBJECTIVE: To examine the utility of these models in explaining patient and partner psychological and relationship adjustment on a day-to-day basis using ecological momentary assessment. METHOD: Patients with breast, colorectal, or lung cancer and their partners (286 dyads) were prompted twice daily for 14 days via smartphone to answer questions about communication with their partner, adjustment (psychological distress and relationship satisfaction), and hypothesized mediators (avoidant thoughts and intimacy). Data were collected from 2017 to 2020. RESULTS: s < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Findings offer implications for interventions designed to improve communication and enhance closeness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Health Psychology

DOI: 10.1037/hea0001396