An Investigation of the Effect of Attachment on Distress among Partners of Patients with Ovarian Cancer and Their Relationship with the Cancer Care Providers.

Danielle Petricone-Westwood,Sophie Lebel,Jacqueline Galica,Sarah Hales,Elisa Stragapede

doi:10.3390/curroncol28040258

Abstract

Caregivers of patients with ovarian cancer experience distress related to caregiving difficulties within cancer care. Attachment insecurity is a well-known protector of distress, particularly as it relates to support from others. Using multivariate analyses, this study sought to determine the contribution of attachment insecurity and experiences with cancer care on symptoms of depression and anxiety, and investigated whether attachment insecurity moderated the relationship between caregiving experiences and distress. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted as part of a larger cross-sectional questionnaire study of distress among partners of patients with ovarian cancer. Participants (n = 82) were predominantly male, white, had household incomes over $100,000 and postsecondary education. Caregiving experiences explained 56% of the variance in depression, and 28% of the variance in anxiety. Specifically, lack of time for social relations as a result of caregiving significantly predicted depression and anxiety. Attachment anxiety correlated with both depression and anxiety, but attachment avoidance did not. Neither attachment anxiety nor attachment avoidance significantly contributed to distress variance, and neither moderated any of the relationships between caregiving experiences and distress outcomes. This study highlights the importance for cancer care to recognize the effect of caregiving responsibilities upon caregivers’ mental health, regardless of vulnerability to distress.

Highlights

In their lifetime, one in two Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer [1], meaning a significant portion of Canadians will act as informal caregivers to these patients
Partner-caregivers of individuals diagnosed with any stage of ovarian cancer were invited to participate if: (1) the patient had been diagnosed with, treated for, or had recurrence of ovarian cancer within the last 5 years, (2) partner-caregivers were over 18 years of age, (3) they spoke and read in English or French, (4) they had met the cancer care team
This study suggests that while indicators of resilience such as low attachment insecurity typically act as a protective factor, the demands of caregiving likely are detrimental to the caregiver’s mental health, as their partner’s ovarian cancer progresses

Summary

Introduction

One in two Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer [1], meaning a significant portion of Canadians will act as informal caregivers to these patients. As cancer care has advanced to outpatient treatment settings, the healthcare system has grown to depend on cancer caregivers to support the patient and ensure treatment adherence [2]. These caregivers often prioritize their ill loved one’s health needs over their own, including their mental health. It is well documented in the literature that cancer caregivers experience significant distress [3], including symptoms of depression and anxiety, and other compromises to their quality of life [3,4]. Caregivers often report a lack of information and resources [5,6], often related to their loved one’s cancer, the provision of comfort and support, and how to maintain their own wellbeing [7]

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Conclusion