Social Support and Marital Adjustment After Breast Cancer

Abstract

Interviews were conducted with 78 breast cancer patients and their significant others to assess perceptions of social support following a diagnosis of cancer. Results indicated that supportive close relationships during and after an episode of cancer are associated with positwe patient adjustment. Moreover, the evidence suggests that most cancer patients can expect that support to be Approximately threequarters of the atlents in the reported that their relationships, Including those with family and friends to be warm and helpful after the cancer episode. The remaining one-fourth had at least one troubled relationship, and many more experienced isolated instances of rejection or withdrawal. Strained communication was a common problem in this group, particularly when the patient felt that her fears were discounted by those close to her, especially her spouse. Successful marital adjustment after the cancer episode was more likely when the partners expressed satisfaction w~th the relationship before the episode, when the surge was less severe (i.e., lumpectomy), and when the husband reacte 7 supportively after his wife's cancer. Both patients and their husbands who expressed satisfaction with their marital relationship tended to view the marriage as a communal relationship and to evaluate their spouse in an idealized manner.