Citation

Fergus KD, Gray RE. Psychooncology 2009; 18(12): 1311-1322.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/pon.1555

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: Close interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in a woman's adjustment to breast cancer. To date, the literature has focused primarily on characteristics or behaviors of the well spouse that influence a woman's adaptation to the illness. The present qualitative investigation extended this literature by adopting an interactional perspective based on the underlying assumption that relationship partners' coping and distress is mutually influential. The focus of the analysis was patient and partner perceptions of relationship strife or tension over the course of the illness based on the notion that such interactions may be as or more harmful to relationships than supportive exchanges are helpful.