Skip to search boxSkip to navigationSkip to main content

Couple relationships in families with dependent children after a diagnosis of maternal breast cancer in the United Kingdom: perspectives from mothers and fathers

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well

Abstract

This article examines the facilitators and the barriers to couple relationships in families in the UK with dependent children after a diagnosis of maternal breast cancer. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 23 participants, including 10 couples and three women whose partners did not take part. Recorded interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach identifying themes and patterns in the interview transcripts and categorizing them using a framework. Key individual and contextual factors perceived as barriers or facilitators to couple relationships included: being a “young” family with young children, frustration and resentment from male partners, women’s reactions to the illness, individual communication styles, differing needs for “personal space,” body image concerns, and social support. Findings indicated the need for strengthening “family focus” in services with adequate support for male partners. Health and family services should consider variability in the experiences of couples with dependent children and be sensitive to the needs of partners alongside the women.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 413-431

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology (Volume 34, Issue 5)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 30/03/2016

Publication status

Published - 30/03/2016

ISSN

0734-7332

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/622595
  • Scopus: 84982307172

Access to documents

Publication metrics

Metrics

Download statistics
Download count
5