Couple relationships in families with dependent children after a diagnosis of maternal breast cancer in the United Kingdom: Perspectives from mothers and fathers

ABSTRACT

This article examines the facilitators and the barriers to couple relationships in families in the UK with dependent children after a diagnosis of maternal breast cancer. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 23 participants, including 10 couples and three women whose partners did not take part. Recorded interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach identifying themes and patterns in the interview transcripts and categorizing them using a framework. Key individual and contextual factors perceived as barriers or facilitators to couple relationships included: being a “young” family with young children, frustration and resentment from male partners, women's reactions to the illness, individual communication styles, differing needs for “personal space,” body image concerns, and social support. Findings indicated the need for strengthening “family focus” in services with adequate support for male partners. Health and family services should consider variability in the experiences of couples with dependent children and be sensitive to the needs of partners alongside the women.

KEYWORDS:

• breast cancer
• young families
• partners
• couple relationships; mothers

Acknowledgments

Thanks are due to Denise Brett-Smith for providing research assistance and to the support group convenors, breast care nurses, and those involved from the Breast Cancer Care and Macmillan charities for providing support with recruitment. Thanks are particularly due to the participants for taking the time to give their views openly and honestly.

Funding

This study was funded by the Breast Cancer Campaign, UK (Grant No. 2009MaySP15).