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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 1/2010

01-03-2010

Cancer-related communication, relationship intimacy, and psychological distress among couples coping with localized prostate cancer

Authors: Sharon Manne, Hoda Badr, Talia Zaider, Christian Nelson, David Kissane

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

The present study evaluated intimacy as a mechanism for the effects of relationship-enhancing (self-disclosure, mutual constructive communication) and relationship-compromising communication (holding back, mutual avoidance, and demand-withdraw communication) on couples’ psychological distress.

Methods

Seventy-five men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer in the past year and their partners completed surveys about communication, intimacy, and distress.

Results

Multi-level models with the couple as unit of analyses indicated that the association between mutual constructive communication, mutual avoidance, and patient demand-partner withdraw and distress could be accounted for by their influence on relationship intimacy. Intimacy did not mediate associations between self-disclosure, holding back, and partner demand-patient withdraw communication and distress.

Discussion/conclusions

These findings indicate that the way in which couples talk about cancer-related concerns as well as the degree to which one or both partners avoid talking about cancer-related concerns can either facilitate or reduce relationship intimacy, and that it is largely by this mechanism that these three communication strategies impact psychological distress.

Implications for cancer survivors

Relationship intimacy and how patients and partners communicate to achieve this intimacy is important for the psychological adjustment of early stage prostate cancer survivors and their partners.
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Metadata
Title
Cancer-related communication, relationship intimacy, and psychological distress among couples coping with localized prostate cancer
Authors
Sharon Manne
Hoda Badr
Talia Zaider
Christian Nelson
David Kissane
Publication date
01-03-2010
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-009-0109-y

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