Cancer distress reduction with a couple-based skills training: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
There are few interventions for couples facing cancer.


OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate the utility of providing dyadic skills to these couples.


METHODS
Woman recently diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer and their partners were randomly assigned to either a couple-skills intervention (Side by Side) or to cancer education (Couples Control Program). Assessments with self-report and behavioral observation of both partners were conducted four times over 16 months.


RESULTS
Multilevel analyses of data from 72 participating couples suggest that females receiving Side by Side showed larger reductions in fear of progression, and couples reported less avoidance in dealing with the cancer, more posttraumatic growth, and better relationship skills relative to the Couples Control Program. All differences favoring Side by Side disappeared by 16 months after the diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-term changes in functioning may be improved by enhancing couples' dyadic skills during acute medical treatment of the disease.
Department of Psychology, University of Bielefeld, Germany. nina.heinrichs@uni-bielefeld.de
Nina
N
Heinrichs
Tanja
T
Zimmermann
Birgit
B
Huber
Peter
P
Herschbach
Daniel W
DW
Russell
Donald H
DH
Baucom
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome