MUTUALITY OF DISTRESS AND SUPPORT IN COUPLES INCLUDING A CANCER-PATIENT

Sources of distress and support were assessed in a prospective study c overing 149 couples with a cancer patient on outpatient chemotherapy, with an overall equally high impact of disease. Distress levels in spo uses were found as high as in patients, showing a moderate relation wi thin couples. From multivariate regression analyses spouses' distress proved predominantly determined by characteristics of illness. When br oken down according to gender, factors contributing to couples' distre ss varied. Couples' distress was found more closely related to each ot her with female patients, with spouses relying more on their ill wives , compared to couples with male patients. Whereas female patients' dis tress was determined by the degree of role limitations, male patients appeared more vulnerable to the psychological impact of illness. Thoug h couples' estimated social support from various sources was estimated greatly helpful, no effects were found on patients' and spouses' dist ress, respectively. Conclusions in respect of family-oriented interven tions are discussed.