Andrea Hess Engström, Anette Alvariza, Astrid Kuylenstierna, Anna Wikman, Lisa Ljungman
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: 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.
Aims: To investigate the development of relationship functioning and factors associated with relationship functioning over a 1-year period among parents with cancer.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: 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.
期刊介绍：
Psycho-Oncology is concerned with the psychological, social, behavioral, and ethical aspects of cancer. This subspeciality addresses the two major psychological dimensions of cancer: the psychological responses of patients to cancer at all stages of the disease, and that of their families and caretakers; and the psychological, behavioral and social factors that may influence the disease process. Psycho-oncology is an area of multi-disciplinary interest and has boundaries with the major specialities in oncology: the clinical disciplines (surgery, medicine, pediatrics, radiotherapy), epidemiology, immunology, endocrinology, biology, pathology, bioethics, palliative care, rehabilitation medicine, clinical trials research and decision making, as well as psychiatry and psychology.
This international journal is published twelve times a year and will consider contributions to research of clinical and theoretical interest. Topics covered are wide-ranging and relate to the psychosocial aspects of cancer and AIDS-related tumors, including: epidemiology, quality of life, palliative and supportive care, psychiatry, psychology, sociology, social work, nursing and educational issues.
Special reviews are offered from time to time. There is a section reviewing recently published books. A society news section is available for the dissemination of information relating to meetings, conferences and other society-related topics. Summary proceedings of important national and international symposia falling within the aims of the journal are presented.
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