Patient and partner adaptation to illness: A network analysis of the relationships of illness perceptions to well-being in cardiovascular disease
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This paper reports two prospective studies using psychological network analysis to explore how couples adapt to cardiovascular disease. Study 1 examined the relationships among three illness perceptions (i.e., illness acceptance, helplessness, and benefit-finding) and symptoms of anxiety and depression in 75 couples. Study 2 examined the interconnections among three other illness perceptions (i.e., personal control, treatment control, and illness consequences) and physical and psychological well-being in 104 couples. The findings show that patient and partner illness perceptions are strongly interrelated, while patient and partner well-being are also closely connected. Patient and spouse illness perceptions were linked to well-being through a rich network of direct and indirect connections. Central variables involved a sense of control and the emotional impact of illness. The findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of dyadic adaptation to illness and identify key factors/processes that could support improved adaptation for both patients and their partners.
Source: Journal of Health Psychology
Author: Evangelos C. Karademas
Institutions: University of Crete, University of Nicosia
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7125280648