title: Communication Efficacy and Couples' Cancer Management: Applying a Dyadic Appraisal Model.
abstract: The purpose of the present study was to apply Berg and Upchurch's (2007) developmental-conceptual model to understand better how couples cope with cancer. Specifically, we hypothesized a dyadic appraisal model in which proximal factors (relational quality), dyadic appraisal (prognosis uncertainty), and dyadic coping (communication efficacy) predicted adjustment (cancer management). The study was cross-sectional and included 83 dyads in which one partner had been diagnosed with and/or treated for cancer. For both patients and partners, multilevel analyses using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) indicated that proximal contextual factors predicted dyadic appraisal and dyadic coping. Dyadic appraisal predicted dyadic coping, which then predicted dyadic adjustment. Patients' confidence in their ability to talk about the cancer predicted their own cancer management. Partners' confidence predicted their own and the patient's ability to cope with cancer, which then predicted patients' perceptions of their general health. Implications and future research are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication, Bowling Green State University.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Magsamen-Conrad
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Care Management, College of Saint Elizabeth.
authors.forename: Maria G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Checton
authors.affiliation: Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University.
authors.forename: Maria K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Venetis
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication, Rutgers University.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Greene
keywords: Cancer; Chronic Illness; Communication; Couples; Dyadic Coping; Efficacy