Perceived control, coping efficacy, and avoidance coping as mediators between spouses' unsupportive behaviors and cancer patients' psychological distress

This study examined whether avoidance, coping efficacy, and perceived contr ol mediate the effects of spouses' unsupportive behaviors on patient psycho logical distress among 191 married individuals enrolled in cancer treatment . Results of the structural equation analyses suggested that avoidance and coping efficacy mediated the relationship between spouses' unsupportive beh aviors and patient psychological distress. Perceived control of emotional a spects of the illness, including emotional responses and relationships with family and friends, and perceived control of the medical course of the can cer did not mediate the relationship between spouses' unsupportive behavior s and patient psychological distress. These findings suggest 2 mechanisms t o explain why unsupportive responses from spouses may be associated with ps ychological distress among cancer patients.