Partner Support and Changes in Relationships During Life-Threatening Illness

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Abstract
This study examined the role of the primary partnered relationship as a factor in women's adjustment to cancer. Data from semistructured interviews with 40 women, in combination with their scores on a standardized measure of the mutuality of the relationship, allowed for an investigation of the following questions: How do women with cancer perceive the effect of their illness on their primary partnered relationship? What types of support do women receive from their partners during the illness experience? Is this support adequate? What is the relationship between the mutuality of the primary partnered relationship and the support provided by the partner? The results indicated that the type of support the partner provides as well as the mutuality of the relationship contribute positively to women's coping. Thus, the mutuality of women's primary partnered relationships should be assessed routinely, and psychosocial interventions should sensitize couples to the benefits of enhanced mutuality during the illness experience.