Couples-based coping training on thought control strategies of spouses of cancer patients - a study

Abstract

The stress of a patient's cancer can easily be felt by her partner so that the cancer becomes a shared stress or a “we-disease.” In this article, we look at how couples experience the cancer diagnosis and treatment and the ways they cope together with the illness. As practitioners, we are particularly interested in understanding the process of mutual support and the characteristics associated with a couple's coping that lead to a positive adjustment to cancer. A total of 187 spouses of cancer patients attending oncology clinics of two hospitals in Tehran, Iran, participated in the research program. Data collection was done using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Thought Control Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory. The research sample consisted of 29 married spouses of cancer patients. The prevalence of probable mixed anxiety depression disorder (MADD) among the spouses was 15.5%. In the present study, we examined changes in thought control strategies for MADD patients who underwent couples-based coping training. The couples-based coping training sessions extended for 45 minutes and were held once weekly. All of the thought control strategies were positively associated with MADD. Mutual support for couples with cancer can substantially benefit family and patient functioning and caregiver burden.