Navigating the Hardship Together: Factors Associated With Couple Relationship Functioning in Parents With Cancer Who...

When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, it often affects both family life and the couple relationship significantly. However, research on factors that influence relationship functioning over time in this population is limited.

To investigate the development of relationship functioning and factors associated with relationship functioning over a 1-year period among parents with cancer.

In this longitudinal study, 180 parents with cancer, aged 24-60 years, with dependent children completed online surveys at 2 time-points: at inclusion (T1) and 1 year later (T2). Data included self-reported sociodemographic, physical health and psychological factors, and relationship functioning. The outcome was relationship functioning at T2 assessed using 4 subscales (Dyadic cohesion, Dyadic satisfaction, Sensuality, and Sexuality) of the validated self-assessment scale Quality of Dyadic Relationship Scale-36 (QDR). Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the outcome.

All aspects of relationship functioning statistically declined over time, except sexuality. After adjusting for multiple T1 factors, completion of cancer treatment predicted higher Dyadic cohesion; poor self-rated health predicted lower Dyadic satisfaction; higher age, being a mother and attachment-related anxiety predicted lower Sensuality; and lower age of youngest child, anxiety and attachment-related anxiety predicted lower Sexuality.

Cancer significantly impacts relationship functioning among parents with cancer who have dependent children, with significant declines in Dyadic cohesion, Dyadic satisfaction, and Sensuality over time. A number of sociodemographic, physical health and psychological factors were shown to predict lower relationship functioning. Addressing these factors may help identify and support parents with cancer who are at risk of, or who perceive, difficulties in their couple relationship.