A pilot study of an intervention for breast cancer survivors and their spouses

Fam Process. 2004 Mar;43(1):95-107. doi: 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2004.04301008.x.

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that interventions that increase breast cancer patients' communication with family members lead to reduced patient distress. In this article, we report on a treatment development and pilot study of an intervention for couples coping with breast cancer. In phase 1 of this study, 10 couples participated in two focus groups that generated ideas and themes for the intervention. In phase 2, we developed and pilot tested our intervention with 48 couples: 12 in a 2-session format, 21 in a 1-session format, and 15 in a non-experimental control group. Our response rate shows that breast cancer patients and spouses were willing to participate and that treatment providers were willing to refer patients and their spouses. The 2-session format showed the most promise for producing positive change in mental health functioning and cancer-related stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Depression / etiology*
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Family / psychology
  • Family Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Spouses / psychology*
  • Survivors / psychology*