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Related Experiment Videos

Cancer in married couples: higher or lower distress?

L Baider1, N Walach, S Perry

  • 1Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|October 17, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Psychological distress in couples where both partners have cancer is similar to when only one partner is ill. Neither background, medical status, nor family support influenced patient distress levels.

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Serious illness in one spouse can impact the entire family system.
  • Previous research suggests higher distress when multiple family members face severe health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate psychological distress levels in married couples where both partners have cancer.
  • To compare distress in dual-cancer couples versus single-cancer couples.
  • To identify factors influencing distress in cancer patients and their healthy spouses.

Main Methods:

  • A study group of 20 married couples with both spouses diagnosed with cancer.
  • Comparison groups included 20 couples with the husband diagnosed with cancer and 20 with the wife diagnosed with cancer.
  • Participants completed validated self-report scales measuring psychological distress, perceived family support, and coping mechanisms.

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Main Results:

  • The hypothesis that dual-cancer couples experience significantly higher distress was not supported (null hypothesis confirmed).
  • Sociodemographic background, medical condition, and family support did not significantly affect patient distress.
  • Intrusiveness was a significant factor contributing to distress in male patients but not female patients.

Conclusions:

  • Psychological distress is comparable in couples with one or two cancer patients.
  • The distress experienced by healthy spouses of cancer patients is high and similar to that of the patients themselves.
  • Gender differences exist in how intrusive thoughts impact psychological distress.