The communication of affection between cancer patients and their spouses

Thirty-eight patients receiving chemotherapy for advanced cancer and 37 of their spouses were studied to assess changes since illness in the desire for affection (sexual, physical, and verbal) and changes in actual affectional behavior. Each participant in the study was interviewed and then completed the Beck Depression Inventory and an Affectional Needs and Behavior Scale. Results indicated that patients and spouses of both sexes experienced simultaneously an increase in the desire for physical closeness and a decrease in the desire for sexual intercourse. Women patients and their husbands were in greater agreement regarding the changes assessed than were men patients and their wives. In addition, women patients reported the highest level of depression, but were more likely than the other groups to have their affectional needs met. Interpretations of these findings and implications for the management of patients in advanced stages of life-threatening illness are discussed.