title: The influence of culture on couples coping with breast cancer: a comparative analysis of couples from China, India, and the United States.
abstract: This study examines the process of dyadic coping among couples who are managing stress related to a partner's breast cancer diagnosis and identifies cultural factors that affect how couples cope together. Utilizing a qualitative method based on relational psychologies, the "Listening Guide," the authors analyzed the narratives of 28 couples who where coping with early-stage breast cancer and lived in Hong Kong-China, India, and the United States. Analysis revealed four cultural factors influencing the process of coping with breast cancer. These factors included (1) family boundaries, (2) gender roles, (3) personal control, and (4) interdependence. Some couples were able to transcend prevailing cultural norms to re-establish balance in their lives and adapt to the cancer. Implications for using couple-based interventions with cancer patients in differing cultural contexts are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a Kent School of Social Work , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kayser
authors.forename: Peter K H
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: Nalini
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Yuen Chun L
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Phyllis H Y
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Lo
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D002681:China; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D033262:Narration; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States
keywords: breast cancer; couples; culture; dyadic coping; relational-cultural coping model