Abstract
The present study draws attention to the significance of considering cancer-related communication on cancer-related distress through the vulnerability–stress–adaptation model among couples with cancer during the pandemic. This is a quantitative dyadic study with a sample of 80 couples (N = 160). Dyadic data were analyzed among couples with cancer to examine the within-person (actor effects) and between-partner (partner effects) associations among links between cancer-related communication and cancer-related distress through the use of actor–partner interdependence models. Significant actor and partner effects were found for cancer-related communication in partners facing cancer, a factor that predicted cancer-related distress. The findings underscore the need to adopt a systemic perspective that accounts for multiple, simultaneous adaptive processes including cancer-related communication as influences on cancer-related distress in the time of COVID-19.
Highlights
The present study draws attention to the significance of considering cancer-related communication on cancer-related distress through the vulnerability–stress–adaptation model among couples with cancer during the pandemic
While cancer has become a public issue in the United States, the struggles of couples coping with cancer often remain private challenges that affect their romantic relationship, physical health, and mental health well-being
Dyadic data were analyzed among couples with cancer to examine the within-person and betweenpartner associations among links between on cancer-related communication and cancer-related distress through the use of actor–partner interdependence models (APIMs; Kashy & Kenny, 2000)
Summary
The present study draws attention to the significance of considering cancer-related communication on cancer-related distress through the vulnerability–stress–adaptation model among couples with cancer during the pandemic. This is a quantitative dyadic study with a sample of 80 couples (N 1⁄4 160). With social distancing becoming the new normal, many couples are getting stuck at home together and their routines got disrupted This can get worse for couples dealing with preexisting conditions such as cancer. In the current study, the role of cancer-related communication on cancer-related distress was examined by vulnerability–stress–adaptation (VSA) model (Karney & Bradbury, 1995) among couples with cancer in the United States during the time of COVID-19. While extant literature points out potential interventions and treatments for patients with cancer, there is a paucity of literature addressing helpful suggestions designed for their cancer-
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