| Abstract: |
A large body of literature has documented the challenges that arise for couples coping with cancer, as well as the relational processes that facilitate or impede individual adjustment. What emerges is an understanding of the patient and partner as an interconnected and mutually influencing system, evident in the concordant distress levels consistently found among cancer patients and their partners. The rationale for providing couple-based support in oncology is based on the need to restore and strengthen relationships and on the recognition that doing so protects the psychological adjustment of the individual patient and caregiver. This chapter helps the clinician to recognize presentations of couple distress in cancer care, have the confidence and skills needed to meet with couples and assess their support needs and employ strategies that help couples communicate more openly about cancer and its care. It also helps the clinician to employ strategies that guide patients and their partners to plan successfully to meet their ongoing sexual health, fertility, and relationship needs and employ strategies that help couples to sustain their positive life focus despite cancer. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) |
