Holding back, intimacy, and psychological and relationship outcomes among couples coping with prostate cancer Journal Article


Authors: Manne, S. L.; Kissane, D.; Zaider, T.; Kashy, D.; Lee, D.; Heckman, C.; Virtue, S. M.
Article Title: Holding back, intimacy, and psychological and relationship outcomes among couples coping with prostate cancer
Abstract: The present study evaluated intimacy as a mechanism for the effects of holding back sharing concerns about cancer on couples' psychological distress, well-being, and marital satisfaction using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM), and evaluated 2 possible moderators of these associations: the number of patient and spouse cancer concerns. We had 139 men treated for localized prostate cancer in the past year and their spouses complete surveys about holding back sharing cancer concerns, intimacy, distress, and relationship satisfaction, as well as patient and spouse cancer concerns. APIM-indicated that the association between holding back sharing concerns, and patient and spouse distress, well-being, and relationship satisfaction could be partially accounted for by their influence on patient and spouse perceptions of relationship intimacy. The number of cancer concerns did not moderate the mediational model. Holding back has strong associations with both partners' well-being and distress. Holding back sharing concerns was particularly detrimental for couples' intimacy and relationship satisfaction. © 2015 American Psychological Association.
Keywords: prostate cancer; couple communication; relationship intimacy; holding back
Journal Title: Journal of Family Psychology
Volume: 29
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0893-3200
Publisher: American Psychological Association  
Date Published: 2015-10-01
Start Page: 708
End Page: 719
Language: English
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 26192132
DOI: 10.1037/fam0000096
PMCID: PMC5225663
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 2 November 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. David W Kissane
    164 Kissane
  2. Talia I Zaider
    57 Zaider