Obstacles and facilitators of cancer-related dyadic efficacy experienced by couples coping with non-metastatic cancers

Danielle C. Brosseau; Danielle C. Brosseau; Sandra Peláez; Sandra Peláez; Bethsheba Ananng; Annett Körner; Annett Körner; Annett Körner; Annett Körner; Annett Körner

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.949443

Frontiers in Psychology (Jun 2023)

Obstacles and facilitators of cancer-related dyadic efficacy experienced by couples coping with non-metastatic cancers

Danielle C. Brosseau,
Danielle C. Brosseau,
Sandra Peláez,
Sandra Peláez,
Bethsheba Ananng,
Annett Körner,
Annett Körner,
Annett Körner,
Annett Körner,
Annett Körner

Affiliations

Danielle C. Brosseau: Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Danielle C. Brosseau: Department of Psychology, The King’s University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Sandra Peláez: Department of Psychology, The King’s University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Sandra Peláez: École de kinésiologie et des sciences de l'activité physique (EKSAP), Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
Bethsheba Ananng: Department of Psychology, The King’s University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Annett Körner: Department of Psychology, The King’s University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Annett Körner: Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
Annett Körner: Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Annett Körner: Louise Granofsky Psychosocial Oncology Program, Segal Cancer Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
Annett Körner: Psychosocial Oncology Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.949443
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 14

Abstract

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IntroductionCancer-related dyadic efficacy is an individual’s confidence to work together with a partner to conjointly manage the effects of cancer and its treatment. In other health contexts, higher levels of dyadic efficacy have been associated with fewer symptoms of psychological distress and higher ratings of relationship satisfaction. The aim of the current study was to explore patient and partner perspectives on what obstructs and facilitates cancer-related dyadic efficacy.MethodsThese aims were accomplished through a secondary analysis of data collected as a part of a collective qualitative case study. Participants (N = 17 participants) were patients undergoing treatment or recently completed treatment (within 6 months) for a non-metastatic cancer and their partners. To enable in-depth discussions among participants, data was collected through five focus groups. Participants described obstacles and facilitators of dyadic efficacy as dimensions of a common influence. Consistent with these descriptions, reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify influences on cancer-related dyadic efficacy and their subsequent obstructive and facilitative dimensions.ResultsFour main categories of influence with the potential to obstruct or facilitate cancer-related dyadic efficacy were identified along with their subthemes: appraisals of the couple relationship (quality and togetherness), communication (pattern and interest in information), coping (strategy and evaluation), and responses to change (in tasks and roles and sex life). Eight obstructive and seven facilitative dimensions of these subthemes were described.Discussion: This first analysis of obstacles and facilitators of couples’ cancer-related dyadic efficacy capitalized on the experiential expertise of individuals with cancer and their partners. These thematic results are instructive for the design of dyadic efficacy-enhancing interventions for couples coping with cancer.

Published in Frontiers in Psychology

ISSN: 1664-1078 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology

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