Response to cancer stress and depressive symptoms in breast cancer survivors and their significant others
Abstract
Previous studies on women diagnosed with breast cancer supported the fact that cancer can cause psychological distress not only to women survivors but also to their significant others. The present study used Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to examine 367 couples’ responses to cancer stress (avoidance and intrusive thoughts) in relation to their own and their significant others’ depressive symptoms. In addition, this study examined whether younger (diagnosed at age 45 or younger) or older age group (diagnosed after 55 years of age) was associated with the relationship between response to cancer stress and depressive symptoms. Results showed that when survivors report high level of response to cancer stress, so do their significant others. Participants with higher level of avoidance or intrusive thoughts reported higher level of their own depressive symptoms. Furthermore, significant others’ avoidance was positively related with survivors’ depressive symptoms. The relationship between significant others’ avoidance and survivors’ depressive symptoms was found in the older age group but not in the younger age group.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Shields, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Mental health|Clinical psychology|Individual & family studies
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