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Erschienen in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 5/2016

19.03.2016

Gender differences in associations between cancer-related problems and relationship dissolution among cancer survivors

verfasst von: Cristina Stephens, J. Lee Westmaas, Jihye Kim, Rachel Cannady, Kevin Stein

Erschienen in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Ausgabe 5/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Research suggests that a cancer diagnosis predicts marital dissolution more strongly for women survivors than men, but there is a paucity of research on potential processes underlying this vulnerability. The present cross-sectional study examined whether specific cancer-related problems were associated with the odds of relationship breakup following diagnosis and whether these relationships differed between male and female cancer survivors.

Methods

A national cross-sectional quality of life study assessed self-reported cancer-related problems and relationship change among survivors who were either 2, 6, or 10 years post-diagnosis (n = 6099).

Results

Bivariate analyses indicated that cancer-related problems (e.g., emotional distress) were greater for divorced/separated survivors compared to those with intact relationships and were greater for women versus men. Logistic regressions indicated that for both male and female survivors, lower income, younger age, and longer time since diagnosis were associated with greater odds of divorce or separation after diagnosis (ORs > 2.14, p < .01). For women only, greater emotional distress (OR = 1.14, p < 0.01) and employment and financial problems (OR = 1.23, p < 0.0001) were associated with greater odds of post-diagnosis divorce or separation. For men only, fear of cancer recurrence was associated with greater odds of divorce or separation (OR = 1.32, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Female and male survivors differed in the extent to which emotional or financial/employment problems attributed to the cancer diagnosis were associated with the likelihood of reporting relationship dissolution.

Implications for cancer survivors

Although directions of causality could not be ascertained, results suggest the possibility that helping male and female cancer survivors cope with specific cancer-related problems may benefit the quality and stability of their relationships with significant others following diagnosis.
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Metadaten
Titel
Gender differences in associations between cancer-related problems and relationship dissolution among cancer survivors
verfasst von
Cristina Stephens
J. Lee Westmaas
Jihye Kim
Rachel Cannady
Kevin Stein
Publikationsdatum
19.03.2016
Verlag
Springer US
Erschienen in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Ausgabe 5/2016
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Elektronische ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-016-0532-9

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